The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

On today’s episode, we’re exploring an exciting and often overlooked side gig that can bring in significant income, from $10,000 to $20,000 or more per month. Dr. Tom Davis, a family physician who transitioned to working as an independent contractor for the Social Security Administration, shares how this side gig has been rewarding both financially and professionally, how it works, the qualifications required, and how he personally has been able to make over $50,000 in a single month through disability reviews. If you’re looking for flexible, well-paying work that you can do from anywhere, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

• What working as an independent contractor for Social Security disability reviews entails.
• How Dr. Davis built a successful side gig while traveling in an RV and doing telemedicine.
• The steps to get started, including qualifications and training requirements.
• Insights into the types of cases reviewed and how to assess disability claims.
• The financial potential of disability determinations, with real-life examples of income.
• Challenges in the onboarding process and tips for navigating the system.
• Tips for efficiency and maximizing income while working as an independent contractor.

TomDavisConsulting.com

Tom Davis LinkedIn

nonclinicalcareersummit.com - You can purchase lifetime access to this summit of 12 talks one of which is on SSA Determinations by Dr. Tom Davis

Mark Stinnett [email protected] - Contact at Medstaff if you are interested in doing disability determinations for SSA.

How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big by Scott Adams - Recommended by Dr. Tom Davis

Want to be the first to know when our podcast episodes go live, or hear about exclusive discounts and upcoming offers? Email us at [email protected] to join our list and stay in the loop

Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

Check out our Products! Under the products tab, we offer tailored resources to help physicians explore new career opportunities, both in and outside of clinical practice. Each product provides expert guidance to navigate your transition with confidence. From standout resumes to optimized LinkedIn profiles, these tools are designed to help you land your desired job. 

Today we’re celebrating a huge milestone—200 episodes! Over the past four years, this podcast has shared countless stories, insights, and lessons from physicians and experts who’ve navigated the challenges of their careers. To commemorate this special episode, I’ll be reflecting on the journey so far by sharing two pearls, two pitfalls, and two surprises that I’ve encountered while podcasting. From unexpected challenges in podcast production to the overwhelming positive feedback from listeners, I’ll open up about my personal experience and the key lessons learned. This episode offers a glimpse behind the scenes, including some upcoming changes.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode200

In this episode we’re talking about: 

• Reflection on reaching 200 episodes and gratitude to listeners and guests.
• Pearls of wisdom from coaching and podcasting experiences over the years.
• The time commitment and challenges behind producing each episode.
• Positive surprises, including the overwhelming support from listeners.
• Messages from listeners who’ve found inspiration and community through the podcast.
• Announcement about upcoming changes to the podcast.

Links for this episode:

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance. 

Episode #197: ChatGPT: An Incredible FREE Resource For Your Career Transformation

Episode #150: Are You Paralyzed By The Size Of Your Goal? Start With A Lemonade Stand

Episode #173: You Don’t Need To See Where You’re Going To Move Forward. A Physician Finds A Great Surprise On The Other Side Of The Fog At The Crossroads.

Episode #194: An Anesthesiologist’s Decision to Follow Her Heart Led to a Rewarding Career Teaching at a Community College

Today, we're discussing the crucial decision of investing in yourself—whether it’s time, money, or energy. Many physicians feel uncertain or guilty about this, questioning if it's worth the risk. Dr. Bonnie Koo, dermatologist, master certified life coach, and founder of Wealthy Mom MD, joins us to share her journey from clinical practice to entrepreneurship and provide insights on when and how to invest in personal growth and your career. We’ll explore strategies for overcoming fear and making confident decisions to achieve both personal and professional development. This episode is for anyone feeling stuck and unsure about taking the next step toward meaningful change.

• The common hesitations physicians face when deciding to invest in themselves.
• Dr. Bonnie Koo’s journey from dermatologist to financial educator and coach.
• The concept of investing in yourself and why it’s crucial for growth.
• Understanding the value of personal development and career coaching.
• Strategies to evaluate potential investments in courses, coaching, or new opportunities.
• How to overcome the fear of making a financial mistake. 
• Tips on how to make decisions that align with your personal and professional goals.

Instagram: @wealthymommd

Facebook: https://facebook.com/wealthymommd

Website: https://wealthymommd.com

Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour paid  Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at [email protected].

Today we're exploring how you can strategically stand out as a candidate in a competitive nonclinical job market. With increasing numbers of physicians seeking to transition out of clinical roles, the job market has become more challenging. However, there are always opportunities available if you know how to position yourself effectively. In this episode, I’ll share key strategies that can help you enhance your visibility, demonstrate your unique value, and improve your chances of landing a nonclinical job. Whether you're just starting to consider a career change or are actively applying, these practical tips will help you navigate the competitive landscape with confidence and clarity.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode198

In this episode we’re talking about:

• The increasing competition for nonclinical roles and its implications for physicians.
• Insights from recent Medscape reports on the trend of physicians leaving clinical practice.
• The importance of engaging in activities that extend beyond your clinical duties.
• Initial steps to enhance your competitiveness that yield long-term benefits.
• Strategies to begin positioning yourself as a strong candidate, even if you’re unsure of your ideal job or career sector.
• Simple actions that can make a significant impact on your candidacy.

Links for this episode:

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance. 

CV And Resume Preflight Checklist - This detailed checklist will help ensure your CV and resume are set to impress and increase the chances of getting those coveted interviews.

10 Tips To Rock Your Interviews - Following these 10 tips will help you strategically prepare for your nonclinical job interviews. You will be more confident, relaxed, and ready to do your best!

Land Your Dream Job With LinkedIn: 5 Steps To Get Started - Following these 5 tips will help you optimize your profile, connect and network with others, and have success applying to jobs on LinkedIn!

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the incredible world of artificial intelligence with a focus on how ChatGPT can assist you in your career journey. I’ll walk you through practical ways to use ChatGPT to explore career options, craft compelling resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and even tackle challenging conversations. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting something new or needed help making a career change, this episode is for you.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode197

• How AI can help you identify nonclinical career options.
• Using ChatGPT to convert your CV into a resume and customize your LinkedIn profile.
• How to prepare for interviews with real-time feedback.
• The role of AI in helping with challenging conversations and managing anxiety.
• Brainstorming and planning side gigs or new business ventures.
• Tips for integrating AI into your career planning and personal growth.
• Examples of how other professionals have successfully used ChatGPT to advance their careers.

Episode 147 Can Artificial Intelligence Help You At the White Coat Crossroads?

Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview! Learn more HERE!

LinkedIn for Physicians Course: This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.

Today we’re tackling a topic that keeps many physicians feeling stuck: nonclinical salaries. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your current income, uncertain about what nonclinical roles pay, or worried about taking a pay cut, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the salary ranges for various nonclinical roles in sectors like pharma, medical writing, and public health. We’ll also discuss the factors that influence compensation so that by the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect financially when transitioning out of clinical practice.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode196

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Common misconceptions about nonclinical salaries.
• Salary ranges for entry-level and seasoned nonclinical roles.
• The impact of bonuses, stock options, and other benefits on total compensation.
• Specific examples of pay for nonclinical roles in pharma, medical writing, and public health.
• How to weigh quality of life and job satisfaction against salary.
• Real-life examples of physicians faced with the Golden Handcuffs  
• The importance of having a clear vision for your career and life to guide your decisions.

Links for this episode:

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance. 

Private 1:1 Consultations – If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information please reach out to Kati at [email protected]

Today we’re tackling a topic that’s top of mind for many seasoned physicians: ageism and the opportunities available in the later stages of your career. Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, this episode offers insights into navigating the job market and overcoming age-related challenges. I share perspectives from five experts, including recruiters and physicians who have successfully transitioned to nonclinical roles. We discuss the realities of ageism, how to stay competitive, and the value older physicians bring to the workplace.

• Common misconceptions about age and hiring in nonclinical roles.
• The importance of motivation and adaptability in career transitions.
• Examples of physicians working successfully into their 70s.
• How you might be required to demonstrate tech skills in the interview process.
• The role of LinkedIn in securing new opportunities.
• Leveraging your experience and wisdom in the job market.
• Planning ahead for your later career and retirement.

Land Your Dream Job with LinkedIn: 5 Steps to Get Started: Get this Free Download and use these tips to help you optimize your profile, connect and network with others, and have success applying to jobs on LinkedIn

Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information please reach out to Kati at [email protected]

Today we're diving into a topic that generates a lot of interest in the physician community: teaching. I’m thrilled to have Dr. Melissa Wheeler, an anesthesiologist who transitioned to teaching anatomy and physiology at a community college because she wanted to pursue something that made her happy. Dr. Wheeler will share her journey from clinical practice to academia, the qualifications needed, what a typical week looks like, compensation, and more. Her insights will be invaluable if you’re considering teaching or seeking inspiration to follow your heart. 

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode194

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Dr. Wheeler’s journey from loving anesthesia in residency to struggling as an attending.
• The challenges and rewards of teaching at a community college
• A typical week for a community college instructor.
• Qualifications needed to teach at a community college.
• Compensation and benefits of teaching roles.
• Advice for physicians considering a transition to teaching.
• The value of asking yourself what would make you happy in your career

Links for this episode:

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance. 

For today’s episode, we have a very special returning guest, Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, known fondly as Dr. Una. Dr. Una is a pediatrician, bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and founder of the EntreMD Business School, where she helps physicians build profitable businesses so they can live life and practice medicine on their own terms. She joins me to discuss the importance of visibility for physicians and shares key insights and teachings from her latest book, The Visibility Formula: Taking Your Business From Best Kept Secret to Household Name, which provides practical steps for physicians to enhance their luminosity and impact.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode193

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Dr. Una’s background and journey into entrepreneurship.
• How every physician is an entrepreneur and CEO of their personal brand.
• The importance of physicians being able to be seen and heard.
• Overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion.
• Practical steps to increase visibility in meetings, online, and through public speaking.
• Building a personal brand and leveraging social media effectively.
• Creating content that resonates and attracts your target audience.

Links for this episode:

The Visibility Formula: Taking Your Business From Best Kept Secret To Household Name

www.entremd.com

www.entremd.com/podcast

Today you're in for a wild ride. My guest, pediatric emergency medicine physician Dr. Alison Curfman, shares her incredible story of how her desire to improve care for kids with complex medical conditions led her on a roller coaster journey in pursuit of her goal. Dr. Curfman's path to fulfilling her vision was not easy and had its share of setbacks. However, her refusal to give up led to the co-founding of Imagine Pediatrics, a market-disrupting healthcare group pioneering value-based care for chronically ill children. As we delve into her story, we'll focus on the importance of finding the right work environment where you can truly thrive.

• Dr. Alison Curfman's background and journey into pediatric emergency medicine.
• The pivotal moment that sparked Dr. Curfman’s drive to improve pediatric care.
• The challenges and setbacks faced while developing a virtual care program.
• How Dr. Curfman navigated policy and reimbursement barriers.
• How a big leap of faith and an unexpected move to Nashville was the ticket to success.
• The importance of finding a supportive work environment.
• Practical steps for physicians to pursue their ideas and innovations.

Dr. Alison Curfman's website: www.alisoncurfmanmd.com

Imagine Pediatrics

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.