Episode #228: Want to Live Abroad and Still Practice? Here's How Doctors Are Doing It
The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast
Commuting back for procedural work
Ashwini recounts a trauma surgeon living in Spain but periodically returning to the US for OR time and research.
Have you ever fantasized about working from a seaside café in Italy or spending your mornings hiking the Alps before a day of virtual patient care? For many physicians, the dream of living abroad can feel out of reach—especially if continuing to practice medicine is important. But what if you didn't have to choose between your career and your sense of adventure?
In this inspiring episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a palliative care physician and co-founder of Hippocratic Adventures, a vibrant community for doctors dreaming of life and work outside the U.S. Dr. Bapat shares her own journey to Portugal, how she and her husband made it work professionally, and the many options available for physicians—from local employment abroad to telemedicine and hybrid models.
Whether you're just starting to consider life in another country or actively mapping out your international move, this episode offers stories, strategies, and support to help you navigate the possibilities.
In this episode we're talking about:- How physicians can continue to work clinically while living outside the U.S.
- The most straightforward countries for U.S. physicians to work in clinically
- How telemedicine has opened up global flexibility for non-procedural specialties
- Common myths around practicing medicine from another country
- Important legal and licensing considerations for remote work and private practice
- Resources to help physicians interested in working while abroad
- The mindset shift that can turn "I can't" into "How can I?"
Telemedicine & Beyond (International): This resource was created by Hippocratic Adventures and Dr. Ashwin Bapat. It includes a curated list of companies that offer telemedicine opportunities outside of the U.S., for physicians interested in practicing remotely from abroad. There is a reasonable fee for this resource.
FB group (physician only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/936658356753142/ The CME-accredited course, Telepsychiatry From Abroad, opens for enrollment on September 23rd, 2025. This will be the final enrollment period in 2025. https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/telepsychiatryfromabroad/
Free Guide: Telemedicine Companies (U.S.): Created by The Doctor's Crossing, this free guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies in the United States. It's designed for physicians based in the U.S. who want to start exploring telemedicine opportunities while using their clinical skills, earning income, and working from home (or anywhere in the U.S.). *Note: This guide is for U.S.-based physicians only. If you're looking for telemedicine roles you can do while living abroad, please see the "Telemedicine & Beyond" resource above.
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