How to get from here to there

If you are interested in physician entrepreneurship or a non-clinical side gig, what got you here won't get you there. In other words, while your clinical mindset, skills and familiarity with the problems plaguing the sick care system of systems are familiar, the entrepreneurial mindset and route to getting an idea to a patient is different.

Instead, you will need to come down off the mountain, accept that you don't know what you don't know and get the inspiration, knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies, resources, networks, mentors, experience, peer to peer support and non-clinical career development you will need to succeed. In other words, you will need a compass and a map.

That said, you won't have to start the journey with an empty backpack. You probably have many transferable skills.

There are a few strategies to be effective for consistently making time for acquiring new career skills. First, accept the time commitment; you may need to scale back on nonessential activities. Second, research what’s required for your new field, whether it’s formal licensing, independent working, or side hustle work. Third, layer in learning onto activities you’re already doing throughout your day. Fourth, designate specific times you’ll dedicate to skill-building — and stick to it. Finally, modify your work schedule, if needed.

The compass is your true north i.e making it personal but not taking it personally. What drives you? Why? What are your values? What psychic itches need to be scratched? What will keep you trying when you inevitably run into roadblocks and fail?

Once you have a compass, then you will need a map to help you navigate the ways to get ideas to patients. But, don't expect a AAA triptik that tells you all the stuff along the way, the exits, off ramps and tourist sites. If only entrepreneurship were that easy.

Instead, you will be a pioneer exploring unexplored terrain. The map will be more like a treasure hunt where the only thing you will get at the each destination are clues that give you hints about a) where you are, and b) the next place to go.

So, what should you do next? Start by changing your mindset and then learn to use a map and compass instead of relying on a GPS in the wilderness.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs on Substack