The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

Dr. Sonia Millan, a board-certified family medicine physician and former white-water rafting guide, shares her journey from clinical practice to a fulfilling role in utilization management. She emphasizes the importance of experimentation and adaptability in finding career satisfaction. Sonia discusses how losing autonomy led her to explore various nonclinical roles and ultimately discover her dream job, aided by her 'lunch litmus test' for workplace culture. Her advice encourages clinicians to embrace uncertainty and pursue curiosity for career clarity.

If you've been in the interview process for a nonclinical job and suddenly find yourself in a holding pattern—no updates, no emails, and no clarity—you're not alone. Delays, ghosting, and rejection can be confusing and discouraging, especially when everything seemed to be going well. In this episode, Heather shares why these frustrating pauses happen, what might be going on behind the scenes, and most importantly, how to respond so you stay confident, empowered, and ready for the next opportunity. You'll learn practical strategies to follow up respectfully, gain insight from your interview experience, and reframe rejection as redirection toward the right role for you. Whether you're waiting for a recruiter to reply, feeling ghosted after multiple rounds, or processing a painful "no," this episode offers both empathy and actionable guidance to help you keep moving forward with faith and self-assurance. In this episode we're talking about: Why delays, ghosting, and rejection happen in nonclinical job searches What might be happening behind the silence from recruiters and hiring teams When and how to follow up without overdoing it The "three P's" of handling rejection Why rejection is often redirection—and how to stay open to what's next How to learn and grow from every interview experience, no matter the outcome Links for this episode: Episode #154: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 1 Episode #155: Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Nonclinical Job Interviews – Part 2 Episode #230: Nail That Recruiter Interview: Build Your Bridge to the Next Round

When you're exploring nonclinical jobs, one of the very first hurdles is often the recruiter screening call. Many physicians assume this will just be a quick, casual chat but in reality, it can make or break whether you move forward in the process. In this episode, I'll walk you through how to prepare for this important conversation as if I were coaching you one-on-one. You'll learn what recruiters are really looking for, how to connect your story to their needs, and the simple but powerful ways you can build a bridge that sets you apart as a strong candidate. This isn't about rattling off your CV or giving "perfect" answers. It's about understanding the recruiter's perspective, showing authentic interest, and coming across as both capable and collaborative. By the end, you'll feel much more confident heading into that first call and know how to approach it with professionalism and ease. In this episode we're talking about: The "three-legged stool" recruiters use to assess candidates How to build a bridge between your story and the company's mission Tips for answering the classic "Tell me about yourself" opener The most common questions you'll hear—and how to be ready for them How to handle the dreaded salary question with calm confidence Thoughtful questions you can ask to stand out Why a warm, timely follow-up email makes such a difference Links for this episode: 🌟 Want more support? Download my free guide, 10 Steps to Rock Your Interviews here. Following these 10 tips will help you strategically prepare for your nonclinical job interviews. You will be more confident, relaxed, and ready to do your best! And if you'd like personalized prep, you can book a one-off coaching session—just reach out at team@doctorscrossing.com for more

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot into a completely new career—especially when you don't fit the traditional mold? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley, a physician who took a bold leap from career coaching into the pharmaceutical world. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity and explore what else is possible. We pull back the curtain on her transition, what it felt like to leave a successful business behind, and how she broke into pharma despite not being the typical candidate. Whether you're just beginning to question your current path or actively exploring nonclinical options, Michelle's story offers honesty, encouragement, and practical tools for the journey ahead. She shares what really happens behind the scenes—from failed interviews and self-doubt to finally landing the right role. In this episode we're talking about: What it's like to make a bold pivot when you don't fit the "traditional" candidate mold. How Michelle handled rejection (including one painful interview setback) and kept going. Why informational interviews were a game-changer (even when some flopped). The mindset shift that helped her overcome fear and finally hit "send" on those messages. How she reframed her background to land roles — even without the "right" experience. Why she loves her new career in pharma, and why she's glad she made the leap. The unexpected part of her new job that brought back joy and connection. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode229 Links for this episode: Episode #17: 9 Top Nonclinical Side Gigs with Michelle Mudge-Riley 🎁 Share & Win! Want to win a prize? It's simple—share The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast with five people, then email us at team@doctorscrossing.com with their initials (or another easy way to validate). We'd love to thank you with a prize for helping us grow our listener family!

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?" Hippocratic Adventures 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. IG: @hippocratic_adventures 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.

Wound care is one of those paths that many physicians overlook—until they discover how meaningful, hands-on, and flexible it can be. In this conversation with board‑certified general surgeon, Dr. Scott Covington, we pull back the curtain on what wound care really looks like day to day, the many ways physicians can enter the field, and why it can be a great fit at different stages of your career. From outpatient centers to post‑acute facilities and even hyperbarics, you'll hear how physicians across a wide range of backgrounds find challenge, purpose, and balance in this niche. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode227 In this episode we're talking about: Why wound care is open to many specialties and has a low barrier to entry. What wound care roles actually look like in daily practice The different settings where physicians can work The kind of training needed to get started, including typical course requirements How compensation is structured and what physicians can expect to earn Which types of physicians tend to thrive in wound care Additional insights and considerations for exploring this career path Links for this episode: 🌟 LinkedIn for Physicians Course – If you'd like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! Use this link to get 35% off until August 31st, 2025!

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Angelica Dumapit, a medical director and freelance medical writer who used LinkedIn to launch and grow her nonclinical career. Angelica shares how she optimized her profile to land roles without doing residency, networked confidently, and found freelance opportunities. We cover practical tips on writing strong headlines, messaging recruiters, and using LinkedIn's features strategically. If you're ready to turn your LinkedIn into a magnet for jobs, connections, and possibilities, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get there. In this episode we're talking about: How Angelica transitioned from medicine to medical communications without doing residency The power of using LinkedIn to land full-time roles and freelance gigs What medical communications actually involves and common roles in the field How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to get noticed by recruiters Tips for writing a compelling headline that showcases your skills and interests Best practices for networking and messaging on LinkedIn—even as an introvert Strategies for building long-term recruiter relationships and keeping in touch You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode226 Links for this episode: https://www.medcommdoc.com LinkedIN for Physicians Course - If you'd like to learn how to customize your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out to recruiters, this course walks you through all the steps with short, actionable videos and cheat sheets for each lesson. This course takes the guesswork out of using LinkedIn! Use this link to get 35% off until August 31st, 2025! adumapit@medcommdoc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/adumapit Land Your Dream Job with LinkedIn: 5 Steps to Get Started - Get your Free Download and use these tips to help you optimize your profile, connect and network with others, and have success applying to jobs on LinkedIn! Thank you for listening!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of stepping back to gain clarity when facing career crossroads in medicine. I'll share my personal experiences and offer practical strategies for physicians to reflect on their careers, make room for self-discovery, and envision a more fulfilling future. You'll learn how to get to the root of what's prompting your desire for change, so you can make decisions from clarity—not fear. This episode encourages you to reconnect with what truly matters and make aligned choices that support both your career and your well-being. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode225 In this episode we're talking about: Taking a step back to identify the root of your unhappiness. Avoiding impulsive decisions during stressful times. Creating physical distance to gain perspective on your career. Using tools like the Wheel of Life to assess life balance. Personal retreats as a means for deeper introspection. Visualizing your ideal life and career in the future. How to acknowledge and address fears that arise during change. Links for this episode: Physician Transition Starter Kit A "must have" when you're questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started. The Wheel of Life - Download the Wheel of Life to quickly visualize and rank key areas like career, health, finances, and relationships—so you can get clear on what needs your attention most right now.

Have you ever dreamed of working in a more holistic, patient-centered way—without having to start your own practice from scratch? If so, you're going to love today's episode. We're diving into the growing field of integrative and functional medicine—especially for those who want the stability of an employed role while practicing in a more meaningful, whole-person way. In this episode, I'm joined by Lisa McDonald, founder of Integrative Connections, a leading job board and recruiting service for integrative and functional medicine. Lisa is not a physician, but her own healing journey through functional medicine inspired her to help others find their way into this meaningful field. She shares what these roles really look like and how to find your path into one. Whether you're just starting to explore this field or wondering what kind of training might be helpful, Lisa offers practical tips, personal stories, and lots of encouragement for taking that first step—or simply testing the waters. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode224 In this episode we're talking about: What is integrative and functional medicine? Why are more physicians seeking to incorporate these modalities into how they care for patients? What kinds of patients and conditions do these practices typically see? The training and certifications that can increase your knowledge and help you stand out Typical visit length, scheduling, and expectations in integrative jobs How to explore these roles and ask the right questions in interviews Advice for physicians curious about pivoting into integrative or functional care Links for this episode: https://integratedconnects.com https://integratedconnects.com/professional-development/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapmcdonald/ Andrew Weil Center For Integrative Medicine - 2-year fellowship with several onsite weeks in AZ https://awcim.arizona.edu/education/fellowship Institute for Functional Medicine - can be fully remote, but also in-person conferences. Free 1.5 hour CME course https://ifm.org Episode #23: Curious About Integrative and Functional Medicine? Carpe Diem Resume Kit - Converting your CV to a resume helps recruiters better understand why you are a great match for a specific job. My resume kit will guide you through creating a polished resume for your desired job. Templates are included as well as a bonus on writing your cover letter. Reach out to us at team@doctorscrossing.com for more information!

Today's episode is a powerful conversation about identity, loss, and rediscovery. I'm joined by Dr. John Fondran, a colorectal surgeon whose career ultimately came to an end due to severe arthritis in his hands and feet—a condition he had long been managing, but whose impact he struggled to fully accept. Dr. Fondran takes us through the difficult process of stepping away from surgery—not by choice, but by necessity—and how he confronted the emotional weight of no longer being able to do what he loved. We explore the dark period that followed, the impact on his identity, and how he ultimately found healing and purpose in a new role in clinical informatics. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode223 In this episode we're talking about: What it's like to lose your surgical career due to physical limitations The emotional toll of walking away from a deeply ingrained identity How Dr. Fondran navigated depression, denial, and a major transition The importance of support systems, therapy, and self-care in recovery What clinical informatics is and how it allowed him to stay in medicine How physicians can still see themselves as "healers" after leaving patient care Advice for others facing forced or voluntary career transitions Links for this episode: LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than "put yourself out there" and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE. Dr. Fondran LinkedIn Episode #61: Coping with anxiety as a new attending