9 Ways to Prepare for a Non-Clinical Career Pivot

I love Reddit. It is one of my favorite social media platforms. The overt rejection of commercialization and anonymity often leads to quite vulnerable, genuine, and sincere discussions. It doesn't always happen this way as the internet is full of anonymous trolls, but many Reddit communities are incredibly supportive and full of helpful people.

Recently, a PA on Reddit indicated that they wanted to leave clinical practice due to burnout, but they were struggling to find an alternate career path. Many of the comments on the post lamented how clinicians have such limited opportunities outside of the clinic as their degrees and training are entirely devoted to clinical work. In contrast, very few lawyers end up working in a courtroom. According to the American Bar Association, 0.52% of lawyers are trial attorneys. The legal system has a broad and generalized educational framework that prepares law students for a variety of different roles. But in medicine, we often feel stuck as the only career trajectory ever discussed is one of exclusive patient care.

I STRONGLY believe that healthcare is evolving fast. Technology, healthcare worker shortages, and increasing complexity are driving acute shortages but also disruptive innovation. When change occurs quickly, there are also opportunities. Increasing numbers of healthcare professionals are leaving clinical practice or diversifying their careers with non-clinical roles. These opportunities exist but still take some planning and intention. Below I've made a list of 9 different ways that you can expand your skillset for non-clinical roles WITHOUT incurring additional educational debt:

BUT FIRST:

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Preparing for a Transition to Academia

Transitioning into an academic faculty role without incurring significant costs can be achieved by focusing on opportunities that build teaching, research, and leadership experience through paid roles. Here are three ways to develop your skillset and resume while being compensated:

1. Clinical Precepting or Mentoring Many academic programs seek healthcare professionals to serve as clinical preceptors for students in training. This is often a paid role or comes with stipends, and it provides valuable teaching experience, mentoring skills, and insight into academic settings. It also builds connections with academic institutions, which could lead to future teaching opportunities.
2. Involvement in Research Projects or Quality Improvement Initiatives Healthcare professionals can participate in or lead clinical research or quality improvement projects within their organizations. These experiences help build research, data analysis, and project management skills—all essential for academic roles. Often, these initiatives are part of your paid work, especially in larger institutions or those with a research focus, and can lead to publications or presentations that enhance your academic credentials.
3. Speaking at Conferences or Leading Workshops Many healthcare professionals can be paid to give lectures, participate in panel discussions, or lead workshops at conferences. This provides experience in public speaking, curriculum development, and presenting complex ideas in an educational format. These activities are also great for networking and establishing yourself as an expert in your field, which is critical for transitioning into an academic role.

These strategies allow you to build a resume aligned with academic roles while being compensated for your time and expertise.

Preparing for a Transition to Health Tech

Transitioning into a health tech role as a healthcare professional can be achieved by leveraging your clinical experience while gaining relevant tech skills through paid opportunities or free resources. Here are three ways to build your skill set and resume for a health tech career without incurring additional costs:

1. Get Involved in Health IT Projects at Your Workplace Many healthcare institutions are constantly updating their electronic health records (EHR) systems or implementing new health tech solutions. Volunteering to be part of an EHR implementation team, working on clinical informatics initiatives, or becoming a "super user" for health IT platforms can build valuable tech-related experience. This work is often part of your paid responsibilities, giving you exposure to health tech systems, workflow optimization, and data management.
2. Offer Insights as a Clinical Consultant for Tech Companies Healthcare professionals are in demand as clinical consultants for health tech startups or established companies developing medical devices, apps, or software. These roles can often be paid and involve advising on product development, ensuring clinical relevance, or testing new technologies. Consulting for these companies allows you to provide clinical expertise while gaining insight into product development, user experience, and tech workflows.
3. Gain Skills Through Free Online Courses and Certifications While avoiding formal schooling costs, there are numerous free or low-cost online courses in areas like data analytics, telemedicine, health informatics, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Platforms such as Coursera, edX, and even professional organizations often offer free certification programs. By dedicating time to these resources outside of work hours, you can build a foundational understanding of health tech without spending money, while continuing to work full-time.

By engaging in these activities, healthcare professionals can build valuable health tech skills, enhance their resume, and prepare for a career transition—all while continuing to earn an income.

Preparing for a Transition to the Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Industry

Transitioning into a role within the pharmaceutical or medical device industry as a healthcare professional can be done by leveraging clinical expertise and gaining industry-specific experience without incurring additional educational costs. Here are three ways to build your skill set and resume for this transition:

1. Participate in Clinical Trials or Research Studies Many healthcare providers are involved in pharmaceutical or device-related clinical trials within their current roles. Volunteering or being compensated for overseeing or coordinating clinical trials at your institution allows you to gain experience in clinical research, regulatory compliance, and working with new medical products. These roles often provide insight into drug or device development processes, which are highly valued in the industry.
2. Engage in Key Opinion Leader (KOL) or Advisory Board Roles Pharmaceutical and medical device companies often recruit healthcare professionals as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) or advisory board members to provide clinical insights and feedback on their products. This can be a paid opportunity where you share your expertise, and it helps you develop relationships within the industry, gain experience in product evaluation, and understand the commercialization process for drugs and devices.
3. Develop Expertise in Regulatory and Compliance Work Many healthcare organizations require professionals to contribute to the regulatory and compliance aspects of their practice, especially in areas involving drug prescriptions, medical devices, and patient safety. You can volunteer or be assigned to roles that focus on FDA compliance, adverse event reporting, or quality assurance. These tasks, which are part of your regular work, provide transferable skills that are highly sought after in the pharmaceutical and device sectors, such as navigating regulatory environments and ensuring product safety.

By participating in clinical trials, taking on KOL roles, and engaging with regulatory work within your current paid role, you can build a strong foundation for a transition into the pharmaceutical or medical device industry without additional educational costs.

"Never mistake motion for action" - Ernest Hemingway

Having a plan is crucial for healthcare professionals who want to pursue non-clinical work because transitioning out of clinical practice can be challenging without a clear direction. The quote from Hemingway, "Don't mistake motion for action," is particularly relevant in this context. It highlights the difference between being busy with tasks that may feel productive (motion) and making intentional, focused efforts that truly move you toward your goals (action). In summary, a plan helps distinguish meaningful actions that contribute to a successful non-clinical transition from mere busy work that may feel productive but lacks direction. It ensures that every step you take moves you closer to your career goals in a focused and intentional way.

Take Control of Your Financial Future with Our Budgeting Course! Are you a healthcare professional looking to reduce burnout and find joy in your career again? The White Coats of the Round Table budgeting course is designed specifically for healthcare providers to help you take control of your money, build financial independence, and ease the pressures that lead to career fatigue. With over 6 hours of education, downloadable resources, and practical strategies, this course is more affordable than a financial advisor and provides you with the tools to achieve lasting peace of mind.

Start your journey to financial freedom today: White Coats of the Round Table Budgeting Course.