Here's how you can explore alternative career paths after retiring from clinical practice as a physician.

One needs to do an inventory of passions and interests outside of cinical expertise. Some doctors are excellent at Lean and Six Sigma methodology, coding and related IT knowledge, for example. Some clinicians have knowledge about medical coding and billing and analytics. Find your true passion and look for industries where they are looking for a clinician with one of these skills.

Be open about starting with voluntary pr part-time options with non-profit entities and academic organizations. If you are willing to learn a new trade or skill, one of these temporary positions may turn into a full-time position at the right moment.

Networking with non-clinical groups would be key to finding alternative to standard clinical work. Trade groups of pharmacists, researchers, and managed care professionals often have more non-physicians than physicians. That said, one can learn a lot from these professionals by networking and finding areas where they are hiring physicians for non-clinical work.

Be open to learning new skills and knowledge. For example, I was trained in Lean methodology and the knowledge learned was super helpful when I managed frontline clinical operations for a health insurance company.

During the initial phase, if you have a general idea of where you want to go but are not sure of specifics, don't make a major commitment right away. As I transitioned to digital health & healthcare management, I was told to pursue a degree in a specific field. Instead, I took an online course and a job to get a feel for the subject. It turned out that the degree would not have been the right choice for me. After making a life-changing decision to leave clinical, it's essential not to jump into something else unless you are absolutely certain. Take the time to explore your options, as there are many opportunities available and you can gain valuable insights into various career paths without the pressure of a long-term commitment.

My managed care journey by joining a voluntary committee (quality improvement) work, about an hour-long commitment every month. I learned so much from that engagement that I was interested to learn more about quality, and that subsequently paved the path to a part-time position.

Exploring alternative career paths after retiring from clinical practice as a physician can be rewarding, but many physicians find the greatest happiness in fully retiring to enjoy their families. If you seek alternative paths, consider roles in medical consulting, teaching, writing, or volunteering in healthcare-related fields. These options allow you to leverage your expertise while maintaining a more flexible schedule. Additionally, exploring opportunities in healthcare administration or advocacy can provide meaningful ways to stay connected to the field without the demands of clinical practice. Ultimately, the best path is one that brings you personal fulfillment and joy.

Consider a second career by building a cash based wellness center and become the physician you have always wanted to be — one that addresses the root cause of patients' issues with the most natural approaches. Alternative medicine is different from disease management medicine. It's more rewarding, more lucrative, and more fun.