Expanding the Influence of Physicians: Why it Matters in Industries Outside Healthcare

As a physician, my primary focus was mainly on providing healthcare services to patients, treating diseases, and promoting well-being. However, I have come to realize that the expertise and skills of physicians can be applied in a broader context, influencing industries outside of healthcare. In this article, I will explore why physicians like myself should extend their influence beyond the healthcare sector and the potential benefits that can arise from doing so.

1. A holistic approach to health and wellbeing

The understanding of health has evolved, moving from a focus on treating diseases to a more comprehensive approach that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. As physicians, we have extensive knowledge of human biology and disease processes, making us well-equipped to advise on how industries can develop products and services that promote a healthy lifestyle. This can be especially useful in the food and beverage, fitness, and technology industries.

2. Ethical leadership

As medical professionals, we are bound by the principles of medical ethics, which include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. By bringing our ethical perspectives into various industries, we can foster a culture of responsibility and accountability, ensuring that products and services are developed and marketed with the best interests of the consumers in mind. Yes, keeping people in mind when products and services are being developed can't be practiced enough! This is particularly relevant in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, where the potential for harm is significant.

3. Informed decision-making

Physicians are trained to make evidence-based decisions and to critically question and validate scientific literature. These skills can be invaluable in industries that rely on data-driven decision-making, such as finance, policy-making, and technology. By incorporating physicians into decision-making processes, industries can benefit from a more rigorous and scientifically informed approach to problem-solving.

4. Improved communication and collaboration

As physicians, we are skilled communicators, adept at explaining complex medical concepts to patients and their families. We can leverage this ability to help industries communicate complex ideas effectively to their target audience, enhancing understanding and trust. In my experience, it does take studying and experience to learn about the depths of other industries. Still, the capabilities of physicians are proven as the medical field is a deep and complex industry to learn and apply to patients. Furthermore, we are trained to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, a skill that can be applied to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in various industries.

5. Crisis Management and Resilience

As medical professionals, we are no strangers to dealing with high-pressure situations and making critical decisions under immense stress. Our experience in managing crises can be an asset in industries that face unpredictable challenges, such as disaster response, cybersecurity, and environmental management. By drawing on our resilience and adaptability, we can contribute to the development of robust strategies to mitigate risks and navigate crises.

As I've mentioned some traits in this article, there are numerous reasons why physicians like myself should extend their influence beyond the healthcare sector. By doing so, we can contribute to a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing, foster ethical leadership, improve decision-making, enhance communication and collaboration, and bolster crisis management. As society continues to evolve, the presence of physicians in various industries will become increasingly valuable, promoting a culture of health, responsibility, and innovation that benefits all.

"Everyone is equipped, but no everyone is empowered." Navin Goyal M.D.        

I have personally applied this to venture capital and entrepreneurship in many different industries and feel the benefits to both the individual and the industry can be elevated when we keep our people at the center of our intentions. If we keep physicians in mind when developing our table of leaders, we can keep an awareness that the table can include a diverse group of experiences to make the organization impactful, sustainable, and successful.?