Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don’t fit the traditional mold? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley, a physician who took a bold leap from career coaching into the pharmaceutical world. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your curiosity and explore what else is possible.

We pull back the curtain on her transition, what it felt like to leave a successful business behind, and how she broke into pharma despite not being the typical candidate.

Whether you're just beginning to question your current path or actively exploring nonclinical options, Michelle’s story offers honesty, encouragement, and practical tools for the journey ahead. She shares what really happens behind the scenes—from failed interviews and self-doubt to finally landing the right role. 

In this episode we’re talking about:

• What it’s like to make a bold pivot when you don’t fit the “traditional” candidate mold.

• How Michelle handled rejection (including one painful interview setback) and kept going.

• Why informational interviews were a game-changer (even when some flopped).

• The mindset shift that helped her overcome fear and finally hit “send” on those messages.

• How she reframed her background to land roles — even without the “right” experience.

• Why she loves her new career in pharma, and why she’s glad she made the leap.

• The unexpected part of her new job that brought back joy and connection.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode229

Links for this episode:

Episode #17: 9 Top Nonclinical Side Gigs with Michelle Mudge-Riley

🎁 Share & Win! Want to win a prize? It’s simple—share The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast with five people, then email us at [email protected] with their initials (or another easy way to validate). We’d love to thank you with a prize for helping us grow our listener family!

Have you ever fantasized about working from a seaside café in Italy or spending your mornings hiking the Alps before a day of virtual patient care? For many physicians, the dream of living abroad can feel out of reach—especially if continuing to practice medicine is important. But what if you didn’t have to choose between your career and your sense of adventure?

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a palliative care physician and co-founder of Hippocratic Adventures, a vibrant community for doctors dreaming of life and work outside the U.S. Dr. Bapat shares her own journey to Portugal, how she and her husband made it work professionally, and the many options available for physicians—from local employment abroad to telemedicine and hybrid models.

Whether you're just starting to consider life in another country or actively mapping out your international move, this episode offers stories, strategies, and support to help you navigate the possibilities.

• How physicians can continue to work clinically while living outside the U.S.
• The most straightforward countries for U.S. physicians to work in clinically
• How telemedicine has opened up global flexibility for non-procedural specialties
• Common myths around practicing medicine from another country
• Important legal and licensing considerations for remote work and private practice
• Resources to help physicians interested in working while abroad
• The mindset shift that can turn “I can’t” into “How can I?”

Hippocratic Adventures

Telemedicine & Beyond - Includes a list of companies where you can do telemedicine from outside the US. 

IG: @hippocratic_adventures

FB group (physician only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/936658356753142/ The CME-accredited course, Telepsychiatry From Abroad, opens for enrollment on September 23rd, 2025. This will be the final enrollment period in 2025. https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/telepsychiatryfromabroad/

Wound care is one of those paths that many physicians overlook—until they discover how meaningful, hands-on, and flexible it can be. In this conversation with board‑certified general surgeon, Dr. Scott Covington, we pull back the curtain on what wound care really looks like day to day, the many ways physicians can enter the field, and why it can be a great fit at different stages of your career. From outpatient centers to post‑acute facilities and even hyperbarics, you’ll hear how physicians across a wide range of backgrounds find challenge, purpose, and balance in this niche.

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode227

In this episode we’re talking about:

• Why wound care is open to many specialties and has a low barrier to entry.

• What wound care roles actually look like in daily practice

• The different settings where physicians can work

• The kind of training needed to get started, including typical course requirements

• How compensation is structured and what physicians can expect to earn

• Which types of physicians tend to thrive in wound care

• Additional insights and considerations for exploring this career path

Links for this episode:

🌟 LinkedIn for Physicians Course –  If you’d like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! Use this link to get 35% off until August 31st, 2025!

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Angelica Dumapit, a medical director and freelance medical writer who used LinkedIn to launch and grow her nonclinical career. Angelica shares how she optimized her profile to land roles without doing residency, networked confidently, and found freelance opportunities. We cover practical tips on writing strong headlines, messaging recruiters, and using LinkedIn’s features strategically. If you’re ready to turn your LinkedIn into a magnet for jobs, connections, and possibilities, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get there.

• How Angelica transitioned from medicine to medical communications without doing residency
• The power of using LinkedIn to land full-time roles and freelance gigs
• What medical communications actually involves and common roles in the field
• How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to get noticed by recruiters
• Tips for writing a compelling headline that showcases your skills and interests
• Best practices for networking and messaging on LinkedIn—even as an introvert
• Strategies for building long-term recruiter relationships and keeping in touch

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode226

https://www.medcommdoc.com

LinkedIN for Physicians Course -  If you’d like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! Use this link to get 35% off until August 31st, 2025!

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adumapit

Land Your Dream Job with LinkedIn: 5 Steps to Get Started - Get your 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!

Thank you for listening!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of stepping back to gain clarity when facing career crossroads in medicine. I’ll share my personal experiences and offer practical strategies for physicians to reflect on their careers, make room for self-discovery, and envision a more fulfilling future. You’ll learn how to get to the root of what’s prompting your desire for change, so you can make decisions from clarity—not fear. This episode encourages you to reconnect with what truly matters and make aligned choices that support both your career and your well-being.

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode225

• Taking a step back to identify the root of your unhappiness.
• Avoiding impulsive decisions during stressful times.
• Creating physical distance to gain perspective on your career.
• Using tools like the Wheel of Life to assess life balance.
• Personal retreats as a means for deeper introspection.
• Visualizing your ideal life and career in the future.
• How to acknowledge and address fears that arise during change.

Physician Transition Starter Kit

A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

The Wheel of Life - Download the Wheel of Life to quickly visualize and rank key areas like career, health, finances, and relationships—so you can get clear on what needs your attention most right now.

Have you ever dreamed of working in a more holistic, patient-centered way—without having to start your own practice from scratch? If so, you’re going to love today’s episode. We’re diving into the growing field of integrative and functional medicine—especially for those who want the stability of an employed role while practicing in a more meaningful, whole-person way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa McDonald, founder of Integrative Connections, a leading job board and recruiting service for integrative and functional medicine. Lisa is not a physician, but her own healing journey through functional medicine inspired her to help others find their way into this meaningful field. She shares what these roles really look like and how to find your path into one. Whether you’re just starting to explore this field or wondering what kind of training might be helpful, Lisa offers practical tips, personal stories, and lots of encouragement for taking that first step—or simply testing the waters.

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode224

• What is integrative and functional medicine?
• Why are more physicians seeking to incorporate these modalities into how they care for patients?
• What kinds of patients and conditions do these practices typically see?
• The training and certifications that can increase your knowledge and help you stand out
• Typical visit length, scheduling, and expectations in integrative jobs
• How to explore these roles and ask the right questions in interviews
• Advice for physicians curious about pivoting into integrative or functional care

https://integratedconnects.com https://integratedconnects.com/professional-development/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapmcdonald/

Andrew Weil Center For Integrative Medicine - 2-year fellowship with several onsite weeks in AZ

https://awcim.arizona.edu/education/fellowship

Institute for Functional Medicine - can be fully remote, but also in-person conferences.

Free 1.5 hour CME course

https://ifm.org

Episode #23: Curious About Integrative and Functional Medicine?

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. Reach out to us at [email protected] for more information!

Today’s episode is a powerful conversation about identity, loss, and rediscovery. I’m joined by Dr. John Fondran, a colorectal surgeon whose career ultimately came to an end due to severe arthritis in his hands and feet—a condition he had long been managing, but whose impact he struggled to fully accept.

Dr. Fondran takes us through the difficult process of stepping away from surgery—not by choice, but by necessity—and how he confronted the emotional weight of no longer being able to do what he loved. We explore the dark period that followed, the impact on his identity, and how he ultimately found healing and purpose in a new role in clinical informatics.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode223

In this episode we’re talking about:

• What it’s like to lose your surgical career due to physical limitations
• The emotional toll of walking away from a deeply ingrained identity
• How Dr. Fondran navigated depression, denial, and a major transition
• The importance of support systems, therapy, and self-care in recovery
• What clinical informatics is and how it allowed him to stay in medicine
• How physicians can still see themselves as “healers” after leaving patient care
• Advice for others facing forced or voluntary career transitions

Links for this episode:

LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than “put yourself out there” and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE.

Dr. Fondran LinkedIn

Episode #61: Coping with anxiety as a new attending

If you are curious about expert witness work and whether it might be a good fit for you, this episode offers valuable insights. 

I’m joined by Dr. Amy Fogelman, an internist and founder of High Rock Experts and High Rock Academy. Amy shares her journey into expert witness work and breaks down what it takes to get started, including qualifications, mindset shifts, compensation, and common concerns—like testifying against another physician. We also discuss how her program helps physicians build a rewarding and flexible side gig in the legal space.

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

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode222

• What expert witness work involves and how to get started
• Whether you need to be board-certified or clinically active
• The difference between medical malpractice and personal injury cases
• Why testifying against another physician is not always what it seems
• Ways to niche down and attract your ideal cases
• How to avoid common beginner mistakes and stand out to attorneys
• An overview of Dr. Fogelman’s expert witness course and what it includes

https://highrockexperts.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amyfogelmanmd

https://www.facebook.com/amyfogelmanmd

Thinking about expert witness work? Dr. Amy Fogelman’s course is a fantastic way to turn your clinical experience into a new, rewarding opportunity. I’ve had a chance to review the program and I highly recommend it!

👉 Use the code HEATHER at checkout for 5% off her program: Explore the Course & Enroll Here

Want to chat with Dr. Fogelman directly to see if her course is a good fit? Book a Discovery Call with Dr. Fogelman

🎁 Bonus: When you enroll in the course through my link above, you’ll also receive access to my LinkedIn for Physicians course—absolutely free!

💻 Just interested in mastering LinkedIn on its own?Check out the LinkedIn for Physicians Course

If you are looking for a flexible, meaningful role that does not require board certification or recent clinical practice, you will not want to miss today’s episode.

Today, I am joined by Dr. Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi, Chief Medical Officer at the Cleveland Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Dr. Nsiah-Kumi shares what it is like to work as a MEPS physician — a rewarding opportunity to assess the medical readiness of military recruits while enjoying flexible hours, no insurance billing, and part-time options. We explore who is qualified for this work, what a typical day looks like, compensation considerations, and how physicians can get started in this unique and impactful role.

• What MEPS physicians do and why their role is so important.
• Who qualifies for MEPS physician roles — including licensing and training details. 
• The day-to-day responsibilities of working at a MEPS station.
• The flexible, PRN structure for independent contractors.
• How to find MEPS opportunities and begin the application process.
• Compensation structure and insurance coverage considerations.
• Dr. Nsiah-Kumi’s personal story of pivoting to this work after burnout.

Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi, MD, MPH - LinkedIn

Chenega - Contractor Company for MEPS positions https://www.chenega.com/

Mr. Ronald Knight - Recruiter for Chenega MEPS positions [email protected]

Resume Kit with New AI video - 20% for one week. 

I’m excited to announce a brand-new addition! I’ve just added a bonus video that shows you how to use ChatGPT and artificial intelligence to enhance your résumé and cover letter. This new lesson gives you practical tips for customizing your materials to job descriptions and using AI as a powerful assistant in your job search.

To celebrate this new addition, you can get 20% off the Resume Kit for the next 10 days, until June 10th, 2025 at midnight. Just use the code RESUMEHELP at checkout.

If you’re a single physician struggling with dating, you’re not alone. The demands of medicine can make finding love feel overwhelming, whether you're hesitant to put yourself out there, dating after divorce, or unsure if a fulfilling relationship is possible. On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by relationship and transformation coach Sydney Ashland to dive into the realities of dating as a doctor. Through a Dear Abby-style format, we explore common challenges, including confidence struggles, work-life balance, and the pressure of finding the right partner.

• The unique challenges of dating as a busy physician.
• How to build confidence and step into dating with a positive mindset.
• Balancing work demands with making space for relationships.
• Addressing fears, perfectionism, and patterns that may be holding you back.
• Strategies for dating apps, meeting people organically, and expanding your social circle.
• Navigating the pressures of wanting children and making relationship decisions on a timeline.

https://sydneyashland.com/

https://sydneyashland.com/physician-business-coaching-and-consulting/

https://www.amyporterfield.com/2025/01/748/

https://kevinmd.com/2018/01/top-10-lies-doctors-tell.html

https://doctorscrossing.com/19/

Books:

Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently With Stress.  By John Gray   (also available in audio CD).

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

Attached – The New Science of Attachment – How it Can Help You Find And Keep Love. By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. 

Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirsey

⭐️ 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! 🌷Spring Special - Save 25% off our LinkedIn for Physicians Course with code: SPRING25 If you’d like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn!

📩 We’d love to hear from you! Have a podcast topic in mind or a burning question you’d like us to cover? Send us a quick email at [email protected] — we’re always open to your ideas and feedback!