The Career Rx Podcast for Doctors

If you've wondered where to find nonclinical physician jobs in the world of pharma, biotech, or medical device - you're in the right place. Today’s podcast is the Q&A follow-up to a webinar about how to find nonclinical careers for doctors. 

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• An overview of resumes vs CVs and how to get results
• Compensation and career growth that come with industry
• What you really need for success, and how to manage rejection
  
  

More than 700 of your peers attended my recent webinar Where and How to Look for Pharmaceutical Jobs for Physicians. We discussed more than ten highly practical and very actionable strategies. But there were also tons of questions about nonclinical resumes, successful application secrets, compensation expectations, and much more. 

As many of you may already know, all of these questions are answered in detail in Industry Insider (it’s more than 8 hours of content, after all) - but, this is the short version, to get you started..

In this Episode: 

[00:30] How to find nonclinical jobs in your specialty
[3:46] Is specialty, travel, or any specific skill a true dealbreaker?
[6:35] How do you make a nonclinical resume that gets results?
[12:30] What exactly to say to new contacts and companies - do you ask for a job?
[15:58] How much does pharma pay doctors? Will you have to take a pay cut?
[19:40] Do you need an MBA or a certification to get a nonclinical doctor job? How much clinical or research experience do you need?
[23:10]  Getting companies to come to you, rather than you applying endlessly
[26:00] Immediate rejection, what it means (and doesn’t mean), and what to do about it

Links and Resources: 

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

There's an 'on-demand’ version of the webinar you can watch here: https://my.demio.com/ref/Qf8CM0NyQGLrQjjM 

Support the show

Some of you knew as early as medical school or residency that clinical medicine wasn’t really the best for you. But everyone says, keep your head down, slog through, and everything will get better. 

Or, some of you had major life events (illness, injury, babies, COVID…) that made you rethink your career and priorities. If either of these sound familiar, listen to hear an inspirational story of career transition from doctor to university professor in this interview with Dr. Jennifer Wortendyke.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• A real world example of transitioning from clinical to academics
• The pros and cons of becoming a professor
• How to assess your career goals and personal priorities
  
  

Today’s interview is one of inspiration and courage. Follow along as Dr. Wortendyke details her career transition story from anesthesiologist to undergraduate anatomy professor. We discuss the defining moments that made this change one of necessity and a response to the changing world of medical professionals.

In this Episode: 

[2:50] Meet our guest - Dr. Jennifer Wortendyke
[23:20] The importance of healthcare professionals in all areas
[34:35] Salary, schedule, and other key considerations
[37:00] Additional degrees and certifications

Please note: the information and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, nor any of the host’s affiliated entities.

Links and Resources: 

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show

Are student loans preventing you from making the career moves you want, or are student loans preventing you from the work/life balance you deserve? Student loan forgiveness for doctors is a real thing - yes, even for high earners, and those with LOTS of debt. 

In fact, worry about student loans and salary changes are among the very top concerns from my listeners who want a career change. There’s a lot to learn, so I brought in a true expert! The laws are tricky, and some are time sensitive (thanks, COVID) so listen TODAY to understand more about your student loan forgiveness options. You may have more than you think!

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The history of student loan forgiveness legislation and recent changes
• How to find trustworthy, experienced help to review your unique situation
• Time-sensitive student loan forgiveness issues you’ll want to explore STAT!

Today’s episode is an interview with Travis Hornsby, CFA and CFP, with special expertise in six-figure student loans for physicians, veterinarians, and other healthcare professionals. We take a deep dive into the history of loan forgiveness and some detailed steps on how to review your loans and possibilities for forgiveness. 

In speaking with Travis for this episode, I learned that some policies intended for COVID emergency relief will be ending on May 11th, 2023 - unleashing the potential for new sets of rules, expiration of certain opportunities, and even some lawsuits to add to the chaos. So, I literally bumped all of my other episodes in the publishing queue and put this out immediately. I hope it helps you! And while I don’t get any kickback or referral fee, if you happen to reach out to Travis, please let him know I sent you :) 

In this Episode: 

[1:50] Welcome Travis Hornsby, Founder of www.studentloanplanner.com

[5:35] Student Loan Forgiveness: A Brief(ish) History 

[20:00] Changes are coming May 11, 2023 (but listen even if you missed it)

[28:30] What to know about financial experts and student loan credentials

[31:25] The options keep coming and changing - for better or worse

[40:10] You can book a consultation without a credit card or cancellation fee! Click Here.

Please note: the information and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, nor any of the host’s affiliated entities.

Links and Resources: 

https://studentaid.gov/app/launchConsolidation.action

Book your Consultation with Travis at www.studentloanplanner.com

Support the show

Wondering whether to hire a professional resume writer or service? Will a resume service finally help you make that career transition and land the job you want? Take a deep dive into whether this is the right decision for you in this listener inspired episode!

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The pros and cons of investing in a resume writing service
• Common DIY resume mistakes - and why they really do matter
• Which is more important - networking or a great resume?

Today we’re answering the common listener question: “should I hire a professional resume service?” and the closely related “do you have a resume service recommendation?” While there are definitely some advantages that professionals can give you, there are important caveats to keep in mind when turning your CV into a nonclinical resume.

In this Episode: 

[2:45] Transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry? Check out Industry Insider.
[4:18] Exploring the advantages you can expect from a resume service
[10:20] And the cautions…what resume services can’t do for you, unless they are specialized
[19:15] Why networking is so important - for your resume! 

If you do want to hire a professional, I recommend checking out Dr. Heather Fork or Dr. Laura McKain - both of whom have excellent resume-focused programs and are trusted affiliates. Dr. Fork has very broad nonclinical career expertise, and Dr. McKain is more focused on pharmaceutical careers. Both are very skilled in creating effective nonclinical resumes for physicians.

Links and Resources: 

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Heather Fork's CV to Rockstar Resume and LinkedIn for Physicians programs

Laura McKain's DIY resume program

Support the show

Unsure how to prepare for a nonclinical career interview? Many doctors don’t know what to expect from industry interviews. If you’re stressing about how to approach challenging interview questions, listen to this episode and feel confident you can nail the nonclinical interview.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• What to include and what to leave out of your answers - and why
• The real reason you’re being asked three tough questions
• How to prepare and research for specific interviews

Today’s topic covers helps you navigate the top three interview questions nearly everyone struggles with: Why are you leaving your current job? What is your biggest weakness, or a time you failed? What are your salary expectations?

In this Episode: 

[1:20] Setting the stage for why these questions are tough
[4:30] Leaving for the right reasons
[10:25] An opportunity to show how you learn and demonstrate self-awareness
[15:00] The compensation conundrum - considerations for how to answer the ‘salary’ question

Links and Resources: 

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show

Is Linkedin Premium really worth it in 2023? What does the paid version of LinkedIn do, and should you buy it? The short answer is maybe - because it depends on how you’ll use it. So, listen for an overview of top LinkedIn Premium features and how to use them.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The top five reasons LinkedIn Premium might be worth the investment
• Key Linkedin Premium features for job seekers that really can help!
• How LinkedIn Premium enhances networking, even when you’re not actively looking

Today I take a deep dive into some of the most useful features of LinkedIn Premium for 2023. I discuss the best uses for LinkedIn Learning, InMail, profile viewing, the “featured applicant” function, and what you can learn from job postings with the premium features. If you’re ready to get serious about a career transition, and you’re on the fence about getting the paid version of LinkedIn, this episode is for you.

In this Episode: 

[4:30] LinkedIn Learning - a treasure trove explained
[7:35] How to reach out (and get replies) with Premium features
[14:00] Highly valuable features within job postings
[18:45] Hacks for making your profile even better for the jobs you want

Links and Resources: 

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show

What is a drug safety physician? What are the pros and cons of a career in pharmacovigilance? Is it hard to land a job as a safety physician in pharma? Can you work remotely as a drug safety physician? Listen for a detailed insight into the world of drug development safety. 

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• A typical day in the life of a pharmaceutical safety physician
• The mindset and skills ideally suited to a career in drug safety
• Answers to the most asked questions about this field of work

Today I interviewed Dr. Patrick Twomey, an internal medicine doctor turned pharmacovigilance physician leader. We discussed his diverse background in both the medical and pharma careers, what it takes to get your foot in the door, and answers to the questions he is asked the most. After this episode, you’ll know if you might  thrive in a drug safety career.

In this Episode: 

[1:23] Meet Dr. Patrick Twomey
[8:15] What’s a day in the life of drug safety physician?
[13:40] What’s most exciting? Let’s talk pros and cons
[20:30] The broad world of pharmacovigilance and types of careers in safety
[35:15] What skills and experience are hiring managers really looking for?
[48:00] Thinking about classic advice a bit differently

Please note: the information and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, nor any of the host’s affiliated entities.

Links and Resources: 

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show

Wondering why you didn’t get the job after a great interview? 
Are you totally unqualified, or applying for the wrong jobs? 
Listen to explore why this is most likely not your shortcomings, and what you can learn even if you didn’t get any feedback.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The many reasons candidates are rejected that have nothing to do with them
• What you can learn from the interview - even you don’t get the job
• The “one thing’ companies really want, that isn’t clear from the job posting

Today we're talking about why you should never take rejection after a job interview personally.
Before you let rejection discourage you from your career goals, consider the reasons for rejection I discuss in this episode. On the other hand, if you’re not getting any interviews, that’s a different (fixable) situation.

In this Episode:
[3:00] If they bother to interview you, you are absolutely qualified
[7:50] How timing can be a key factor, or not a factor at all
[16:45] What you can gain from interviews, even when you don’t get the job
[19:00] If you’re not getting any interviews, we can fix that with Industry Insider

Links and Resources:
 Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show

What are you currently being “voluntold” to do? Have you taken on task after task with zero compensation? This episode offers 4 ways to turn free efforts into paid work.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• 4 best practices for (finally) getting paid for extra work
• Some hard truths about expectations and compensations
• The caveats that come with setting boundaries at work

Today we take a look at some food for thought around value and recognition for uncompensated tasks. By the end of this episode, you will have 4 professional ways to approach your current “free” duties above and beyond the scope of your hired work.

In this Episode: 

[2:30] Your official job duties vs what you’re doing today
[6:45] Questions to ask about the visibility and tangibility of your work
[9:50] What goes around - comes around
[12:15] When all else fails, try this!

Links and Resources:
The Branding Rx - 18 hours of CME, mastering digital strategies for advancing your career, building your business, and growing your professional brand

Support the show

If you “leave” clinical medicine, are you still a doctor? What does it mean to leave medicine, anyway? Fear and uncertainty, all wrapped up in identity - if you’re facing complex emotions as you consider a nonclinical career in medicine, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• How your identity and career are really linked
• The grief, fear, and excitement of transitioning out of clinical medicine
• Preparing yourself for the reaction of others
  
  
  

Today’s topic was suggested by our special guest, Dr. Debbie Bradley, a board certified medical oncologist and certified coach who has recently left her clinical practice for a role as a medical monitor for a Contract Research Organization (CRO). Listen as we discuss how leaving medicine can impact your identity, how others view you, and your internal monologue around taking a new career path.

In this Episode: 

[1:30] Meet Dr. Debbie Bradley
[4:40] Addressing your identity as a physician, and allowing for change
[12:50] Why is fear holding us back?
[22:01] Handing the grief of leaving your patients
[30:15] Doctors are in all areas of medicine
[36:10] Try this on LinkedIn with your med school alumni

Please note: the information and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, nor any of the host’s affiliated entities.

Links and Resources: 

www.debbiebradleymd.com

The Branding Rx - 18 hours of CME, mastering digital strategies for advancing your career, building your business, and growing your professional brand

Support the show