The Career Rx Podcast for Doctors

Latest Episodes:

#76 - Three Huge Job Search Mistakes Physicians Make (But You Don't Have To!) Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

Are you sabotaging your chances at a promotion or job search? Maybe you’re limiting or disqualifying yourself without realizing it. I always recommend reaching out directly to the folks who are in a position to advance your career, but proceed mindfully to avoid these very common mistakes!

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

How to talk about expectations of that new role
Discussing salary, compensation, perks, and negotiables
How you might be restricting yourself too much in your search

Today we're going to be talking about three huge job application mistakes that physicians (or anyone) sometimes make even with the best intentions. These are loaded topics - when and how you should inquire about the daily expectations and duties of a role, discussing salary and benefits, and how narrowing your search requirements might be leading to missed opportunities.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to better prepare yourself to avoid these three red flag situations you might be making before or during an interview.

In this Episode:

[1:00] Most of these mistakes are made even with the best intentions
[3:00] Accidentally broadcasting what you don’t know - a quick way to get eliminated!
[6:15] Worried salary expectations won’t match, and don’t want to waste your time (or theirs)?
[10:20] Location, location, location - don’t ‘overfilter’ your search
[14:35] Knowing the right times for the right questions

Links and Resources:

Episode 73 - Facts and Myths About Physician Recruiters

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#75 - From Surgeon to Healthcare Architecture Consultant (Really!) with Dr. Heena Santry Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

Feeling like you’re not making the difference you were meant to make? If you’re looking for some inspiration to make those hard career decisions - this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

Values and motivations in a medical career, and how academics isn’t always the most impactful way to make a difference
Exactly how Dr. Santry made this dramatic pivot – step by step by step
Lessons from her job search that you can apply to your own career path, including professional branding, how to craft an industry resume, networking, and the key moments that created this success story

Today, I have special guest Dr. Heena Santry, who had an amazingly successful career as an academic acute care surgeon, and is now a healthcare consultant for an architecture and design firm (wait – WHAT?).

She has a really interesting story that will inspire you with a broader view of professional possibilities. She’s a living example of creating her own path to personal balance, deep professional fulfillment, and major impact as a physician in healthcare.

Because she’s so awesome, we talk for about an hour, so be ready to immerse yourself!

In this Episode:

[3:47] How Dr. Santry’s career started – ambitious, intense, and a very ‘traditional’ surgeon path
[5:13] Key motivators and values that inspired her medical career, and how that fit (or didn’t!) with her academic successes
[7:19] What she’s doing now as Director of Healthcare Consulting at a global architecture and design firm
[9:02] What it means to be influencing healthcare delivery on a macro scale
[10:59] How we met (I was hired to be the coach of the Association of Women Surgeons’ Signature Speaker Series program, and then…)
[14:28] Do industry recruiters or bosses care about your CV? Yes, and no.
[16:58] This specific kind of networking was a critical first step
[21:43] Converting her CV to a resume, key transferable skills, and my LinkedIn PopUp
[27:22] Job descriptions and applications, and the role of internal bias
[30:30] There’s a ‘mic drop’ moment right here. (Hint: it’s how professional branding and an opportunity to make that pitch came together for a career changing result)
[36:28] Career possibilities are all around you, if you change the way you look
[41:17] “But are you still a doctor? Aren’t you walking away from your patients, and all that training?”
[47:07] How Dr. Santry’s day-to-day life has changed – big things and little things

Links and Resources:

The Speaking Rx learn the business of professional public speaking to establish yourself as a thought leader you are, and get paid for your speaking expertise

LinkedIn PopUp – I offer these periodically, so be sure you’re on my email list. That’s really the only way to be sure you get access to the next one. They’re free!

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show

#74 - 8 Elements of an Effective Networking Strategy Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

Do you want to know how to grow your network fast, especially if you want to take your career in a new direction, or to new heights? Think you have to get lucky to network, or be a natural extrovert?

Many people are under the impression that networking is only for chatty extroverts who love small talk and easily manage to meet tons of people. But that’s simply not true. If you’ve had trouble building your network or leveraging your network for professional growth and actual results, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

Myth-busting the top 8 networking misconceptions
Exactly where and how to find the most useful potential connections
How to grow the right network with a deliberate strategy instead of luck

Today I'm answering a question about networking. So my listener Jared writes and says, “I want to explore some different careers. But I don't have a network or any existing connections. And there haven't been any in person networking events recently, because of COVID. How can I get started?” So let's talk today about how to get started building a deliberate networking strategy.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a step by step plan that doesn’t require you to be good at small talk or be particularly extroverted. You’ll have a clear understanding of what makes for a successful and optimized strategy and how simple some of these non-negotiable steps make for effective networking connections.

In this Episode:

[1:12] Industry Insider - learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut
[3:30] Getting clear objectives - what you want to learn and what you want to eventually land
[7:00] How to create a connections list and map - and what to do with it
[8:50] Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn to do heavy work for you
[11:20] How to understand the industry, leaders, and culture
[14:15] The balanced network - with the right level of influence on and interest in your career
[17:50] Plan, plan, plan for results.

Links and Resources:

TransforMD - a life changing retreat for women physicians who want more from their careers and their lives - it’s time, right now!

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

The Branding Rx 18 hours of CME, mastering digital strategies for advancing your career, building your business, and growing your professional brand

Support the show

#73 - Facts and Myths About Physician Recruiters Aug 10, 2021

Show notes

Ever wondered what recruiters actually do, and whether they can help you?
Curious how recruiters help nonclinical physician job seekers, or if recruiters only help companies?

If you’re not sure about responding to reaching out to recruiters, especially if you’re looking for a leadership or nonclinical role - this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

The similarities and differences between the main kinds of recruiters and why it matters to you
How a recruiter can help you, and why they would want to
What companies want from their retained search firms, and how this impacts your job search
When and why you should consider connecting with a recruiter

Today’s episode is a Q&A style interview I hosted live in my Women Physician Facebook Group with a physician recruiter. Listen to get the full lowdown on how physicians can best work with recruiters, particularly physicians who are interested in transitioning to nonclinical roles in biotech and in pharma. This advice is applicable and eye opening for any physician anywhere who is engaging with recruiters for the purposes of either getting ahead professionally or making some kind of a change. There are lots of myths and misinformation about recruiters, and today, we’re hearing the truth directly from the source!

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of what recruiters can actually do for you, how they get compensation (and how that impacts you), the LinkedIn culture of recruiting, and a few red flags to look out for when getting to know recruiters.

In this Episode:

[02:24] What are the different kinds of recruiters, and what are the differences ?
[08:03] How can recruiters help candidates? Why should you use a recruiter?
[15:18] Red flags that may indicate an unethical recruiter
[17:54] Is the recruiter the gatekeeper for the job?
[20:27] The real scoop on LinkedIn and keywords
[22:27] Can applicants initiate contact with recruiters?
[26:47] Everything's confidential, right?
[28:35] Does the recruiter’s fee take a % of the candidate’s compensation offer?
[31:53] What does a company generally consider to be a ‘successful hire’?
[45:49] Pros and cons to ‘open to work’ on LinkedIn
[54:56] Is there truth to the idea that ‘the best jobs don’t need recruiters’?

If you love this episode, you’ll really want to check out my top 2 career transition resources:

TransforMD - the once-a-year, truly life changing retreat for women physicians who want more from their careers and their lives - limited spots are open right now!

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

Also, be sure to listen to the Nonclinical Careers Playlist for key episodes on this podcast related to resumes, networking, success stories, and more.

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#72 - Should You Take A Pay Cut for a Nonclinical Job? Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

Is financial fear preventing you from making a career change? Do you wonder if you have to take a pay cut to leave clinical medicine? How much do nonclinical jobs pay, anyway?

If you feel trapped by student loan debt or the perception that you won’t be able to make a good living as a nonclinical physician, but you desire to pivot into more fulfilling work - this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

Myths and fears about pay cuts and nonclinical opportunities
Why getting an offer before you decide can change your perspective
Entry level nonclinical careers, and their trajectories

Today’s episode was inspired by this question from a listener: “Is it worth it to take a big pay cut for a position in industry, just to ‘get in’...and then do some time and move on up?”
Let’s have some real talk about whether it is ‘worth it’ to take a pay cut to make the kind of career shift or change that you hope to make - and, whether you have to take a pay cut at all!

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of nonclinical salaries, whether the fears around pay cuts are mostly myths, and the tradeoffs you may find in nonclinical career.

In this Episode:

[1:15] Have a question you’d like me to answer on a future episode?
[4:00] Salary numbers don’t reflect your true compensation in a nonclinical job
[5:47] A hematologist, a rheumatologist, and an anesthesiologist walk into a room
[9:00] The ladder of opportunities for promotion in industry
[11:30] What about all that student loan debt?
[13:50] Breaking down some self limiting beliefs

Links and Resources:

TransforMD - a life changing retreat for women physicians who want more from their careers and their lives - it’s time, right now!

Support the show

#71 - Healing from Medical Malpractice and Adverse Events with Dr. Stacia Dearmin Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

Bad things happen in medicine. For too long, many physicians have felt alone and unsupported when - despite their best efforts - patients have a bad outcome. It’s a reason some leave the profession entirely. But this story will inspire you, and show an example of how this physician turned personal hardship into a new professional path.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

How tragedy led to the creation of a valuable physician resource
Learning the niche and meeting the needs
Shifting from a side gig to a full time professional calling

Today’s special guest is Dr. Stacia Dearmin, a coach, a speaker and a consultant who provides support to physicians who have experienced adverse events or malpractice litigation. Listen as she shares the devastating event that changed her life, and her professional calling, forever.

By the end of this uplifting episode, you’ll know that you can make something good out of your darkest times.

In this Episode:

[2:00] Dr. Stacia Dearmin’s story - how it all started
[7:00] Realizing the need for education around physician malpractice lawsuits
[12:15] From academics to public speaking and online courses
[15:40] Stacia’s experience in The Branding Rx AND The Speaking Rx course
[18:00] It’s okay if success doesn't happen overnight
[24:10] The evolution from a side project to a full profession
[32:00] Keep yourself motivated with this one mindset shift

Links and Resources:

Dr. Stacia’s resources
www.thrivephysician.com
Use code "CAREERRX" for 10% off "Deposition Magic."

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#70 - Stop Doing That ! (It's Not a Numbers Game) Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

Is getting the job you want just a numbers game? Have you heard this - that if you just submit as many applications as possible, you’ll eventually get something? Maybe you feel you’ve already done that, maybe for a very long time, and it still isn’t working out?

If you feel you’ve exhausted all your options, done everything you can, are totally frustrated, and ready to give up - this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

Why successful applicants aren’t playing ‘the numbers game’
Three things that are much more important than how many times you apply
The right and wrong ways to network

Today’s we're going to be talking about why applying for the job you want is not the numbers game that you've been told. In fact, if you’re just blanketing the internet with applications, that's among the very reasons you're spending way too much time and energy doing the wrong things - the things that aren’t getting you the results that you want!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to play the job hunt game the right way. You’ll see how ‘long term’ thinking helps you take better actions in the short term. You’ll also be able to evaluate your current career transition plan, and see if you need to persevere OR press pause and make a totally new plan.

In this Episode:

[1:00] Wondering if you’ve sent out enough resumes, but running out of new places to submit an application? Start here.
[3:00] The fix if you’re feeling burned out, bored, undervalued, or stuck in a toxic work environment - for female physicians only - my retreat in Mexico
[6:50] Are you making one (or all) of these career transition mistakes?
[10:00] This ‘long term’ strategy helps you take better ‘short term’ actions to get the job you want
[13:30] Deliberate planning leads to deliberate results - tough love alert!
[14:00] Are you really out of options? I doubt it. But ask yourself these questions to be sure
[17:50] Stop playing the numbers game - follow this game plan instead

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, connections on the inside, prior experience, or a pay cut

The Branding Rx 18 hours of CME, mastering digital strategies for advancing your career, building your business, and growing your professional brand

Support the show

#69 - Writing a Medical Thriller with Physician Author Shira Shiloah Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

Feeling conflicted between the path you’re on and a dream you’d love to pursue?

If you’ve ever had a desire that seemed like a pipe dream - just a little bit unrealistic or out of reach - this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

How this author went from hobby writing and rejection to all-in success
Shira Shiloah’s shift from repeated rejection to really making it happen
The catalyst that changed everything

Today’s interview with Shira Shiloah, an anesthesiologist and writer of medical thrillers, we discuss how she made her dream a reality - and how you can do the same.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired with a new mindset shift - shake the feeling of “can't” and turn your dreams into real life. AND, you’ll know that following your passions doesn’t mean giving up medicine (unless you want to).

In this Episode:

[0:50] Meet today’s guest, Shira Shiloah
[4:15] Going halftime to focus on writing?! For real.
[7:50] TransforMD - a life-changing retreat for women physicians
[9:37] “I didn't even mention the medical thriller that I wrote, because I wasn't proud of it yet.”
[13:40] How Shira took charge of the process and left rejection behind
[17:10] What this process can teach you about yourself
[23:10] Balancing two careers - how life’s changed since the first book
[25:40] Understanding a mindset shift
[29:00] A message to all creative women physicians

Links and Resources:

Emergence by Shira Shiloah

www.shirashiloahmd.com

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#68 - Creating a Nonclinical Resume with Laura McKain Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

Want to know how to turn your mile long CV into a nonclinical resume? Not sure how to explain resume career gaps or red flags? Maybe you don’t know what to include - and what to eliminate - for the best chance of a successful career move.

If you want to craft the perfect resume for the nonclinical job you really want, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

The importance of your summary statement, and how to get it right
How to address employment gaps and other potential resume red flags
Commonly included details that you should leave out of your nonclinical resume
Tips for how to describe your most important skills on a nonclinical resume

In today’s interview with Dr. Laura McKain, she explains her process for helping other physicians see how to match their experiences with potential nonclinical careers. She gives us some of her best resume makeover insights, and be sure to check out her ingenious resource for those considering a nonclinical career transition!

By the end of this episode, you will have a starting point for writing your nonclinical resume, examples of what to and what not to include, and a bit on the mindset shift for a deeply rewarding physician career.

In this Episode:

[0:35] Special welcome to Dr. Laura McKain
[6:50] Beginning the process of a nonclinical resume
[9:35] All about the summary statement
[12:20] How to outline your professional history in a way that makes sense for the job you want
[18:00] Common mistakes to avoid in your nonclinical resume
[21:30] What to do with gaps in employment or experience
[23:50] Have a question? Ask it in the Physician Nonclinical Career Hunters Facebook Group
[27:40] Turning your unique story into a clear advantage
[33:50] Laura’s secret for unlocking the magic resume words

Links and Resources:

Nonclinical Career Hunters Facebook Group

Grab Laura’s Swipe File

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, what to know about landing a nonclinical career without a new degree, a foot in the door, prior experience, or a pay cut

The Branding Rx 18 hours of CME, mastering digital strategies for advancing your career, building your business, and growing your professional brand

Support the show

#67 - More Physician Nonclinical Careers with John Jurica [Part 2] Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

Think you have to take a step down to move out of clinical medicine? Wondering about administrative or executive nonclinical work? Debating going back to school in pursuit of a nonclinical career shift?

If you’d like to explore the many nonclinical physician career possibilities outside of medicine, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

Why getting an MBA shouldn’t be your first step
Simple but effective methods to research non-clinical opportunities
A variety of key career paths for medical professionals

Today is part 2 of my interview with Dr. John Jurica, that answers some questions about potential non clinical career options, life as a CMO, and the vast resources available to those looking for a positive career change.

By the end of this episode, you will have a guide to finding non clinical career paths, realize there's many opportunities you’re already qualified for, and why changing out of clinical jobs can be a step forward instead of down in your professional life.

In This Episode:

[0:30] Did you catch part 1?
[1:20] You’re already qualified for many nonclinical roles, without a new degree
[5:00] Identifying the new skills you might need, if any
[7:30] Getting lucky vs using a system
[9:00] John’s experience as a CMO - and how he got there
[10:50] Making a difference as a physician inside and outside the clinic
[12:45] Insurance, medical malpractice, speaking, IME, voiceover, movie consulting...
[18:40] Can we interview YOU? Looking for great stories to tell
[20:00] Check out these resources
[21:50] Stepping down from clinical work is a step forward, not a step back

Links and Resources:

The Branding Rx 18 hours of CME, mastering digital strategies for advancing your career, building your business, and growing your professional brand

John Jurica’s Resources:

20 page downloadable guide: 10 Nonclinical Careers You Can Pursue Today
On demand webinar replay: Best Options for an Interesting and Secure Nonclinical Job

Support the show