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This week’s problem
I have been a doctor for several years and am considering a move away from clinical medicine. I would prefer a role where I can utilise my medical knowledge. Are there areas besides research where this might be possible, such as management consulting? In which case would I have to take an entry-level position? Anonymous
Jonathan’s answer
Clinical medicine is a career that is attracting increasing numbers of students: in the UK alone, there were almost 30 per cent more medical school applicants than five years ago, with about 27,000 people competing for 7,100 places.
However, in contrast with the increased interest of those seeking to enter medicine, almost four in 10 junior doctors in the UK according to the BMA are, like you, now exploring careers outside the NHS.
Some combination of low pay, responsibility but no autonomy, a long series of self-funded professional exams, and increasing moral injury, are perhaps all contributing to pushing you away from the (NHS) clinical world.
Abeyna Bubbers-Jones, an occupational health consultant doctor, is founder and chief executive of Medic Footprints: a website and community to support doctors exploring careers outside clinical medicine. She said: “the biggest challenge of any doctor thinking of leaving is the change of mindset after years in a public sector institution that can be a breeding ground for mediocrity.”
There are three main industries that doctors consider: consulting, which is reasonably akin to the way doctors work, health technology companies, particularly start-ups that need clinician input, and pharmaceuticals. Bubbers-Jones dispelled some of common myths: “Many of these options can be financially stable, with good brands for the CV. You don’t necessarily have to take a pay cut or start from scratch, and you won’t be overworked or feel insecure.”
She recommends taking on an informed personal coach as a first step to adjusting your mindset to prepare you for the new environment.
If you are seriously considering moving, then it will require a different sort of application and approach. Identify what transferable skills you can demonstrate as a doctor, for example, being able to think in a systematic way, to react quickly, and to process large amounts of incomplete information, and how these will add value to the organisation.
Your first step could be to explore options within the clinical world where you can continue to practice as a doctor. Try to identify what exactly is pushing you out and whether you can mitigate those pressures by changing location (Australia is mentioned frequently) or speciality, or maybe developing your academic research. You’ve worked hard to achieve your current position and there will be increasing demand for your skills; it is easier to change the system from within as a senior, practising clinician.
Readers’ advice
I made the jump from academic medicine and research to pharma about 12 years back, so it’s possible — even painless. If you have been in medicine only a few years, then entry-level positions such as medical adviser are the easiest route in, if you do not want to go into research. But you will find plenty of opportunity to move into other roles, especially within larger companies. Markdoc
I did an MBA when I chose to leave clinical medicine and that helped me discover opportunities. Along the way I’ve been CEO of private hospitals, renovated/upgraded and built new hospitals. It’s an exciting world out there. Su-Lin
Finding new drugs has kept me out of trouble for more than 20 years. It’s incredibly satisfying when they work. If you’re still reasonably young, you might even get to work on one that makes it! I’ve seen several from pre-clinical to approval, and invented another that also made it. DrugHunter
Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: dear.jonathan@ft.com