The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

A common fear that can hold physicians back from making a career change is the fear of making the wrong choice. But what if I were to tell you there is no “wrong” choice? Today’s guest, Dr. Kimberly Hartzfeld, is a former OB-GYN who is here to discuss how she reinvented herself as a functional medicine physician. She’ll share how she knew she was ready for a change, the details of her journey, and why you are never making a wrong choice, as long as you are moving forward and staying true to your values.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode124    In this episode we’re talking about: What made Dr. Hartzfeld realize she was ready to move on from OB-GYN How Kim’s own health issues led her to discover functional medicine  Identifying signs that may indicate the career path for you What Dr. Hartzfeld learned about opening her own practice Why Kim decided to close her practice and pursue an employed position How Dr. Hartzfeld’s family reacted to her career change What functional medicine physicians offer their patients    Links for this episode: The Institute for Functional Medicine  Integrated Connections job board - Website for functional medicine jobs Time Management Resource - Grab this freebie with books and other time management resources to help you prioritize what’s important to you. Episode #78 - Eat That Frog and 6 Other Time Management Tips 

When considering a career change, many physicians don’t want to leave clinical practice, they just want to change the way they practice. And while you may have some preconceived notions about what it means to have a concierge practice, today’s guest, Dr. Jim Lindberg, is here to help us separate fact from fiction on this growing practice model. Dr. Linberg is an internist and pediatrician who transitioned to a group concierge practice 12 years ago. He’ll share how the care model works, what he loves about it, and tips for getting started. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode123   In this episode we’re talking about: Jim’s journey from academics, to private practice, to concierge care The nuts and bolts of pricing and patient load in a concierge model Ways to include patients in your practice who can’t afford the fee The difference between concierge medicine and direct primary care What are patients in a concierge practice really like? Which specialties lend themselves to a concierge model and typical compensation The pluses and minuses of group vs. solo concierge practice   Links for this episode: Hoag Concierge Medicine - Dr. Lindberg’s Group Concierge Practice Dr. Jim Lindberg’s LinkedIn 10 Tips to Rock Your Interviews - Grab this free guide to help you prepare for nonclinical jobs and have an edge on the competition!  Episode #98: Take Back Control With A Direct Primary Care Practice

Have you ever heard of a medical review officer, also known as an MRO? Chances are this may be new to you! This little-known nonclinical role could be a good fit if you’re looking for flexible work with a great work-life balance, and like detective work.  My guest today, Dr. Erin Blackburn, is a pediatrician who now works as a medical review officer evaluating employee drug tests and processes. She’ll share how she discovered this line of work, what a typical day is like, and how you can get started in the field.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode122   In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Blackburn’s career transition journey The power of networking in your career search What exactly is a medical review officer and who makes a good fit for this role? The qualifications needed to become a medical review officer Some interesting cases Erin has encountered How Dr. Blackburn learned the ropes and why her job is like being a detective Compensation basics for side gig and employed opportunities as an MRO   Links for this episode: American Association of Medical Review Officers Medical Review Officer Certification Council Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page free guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

If you’ve heard about nonclinical physician roles in the life insurance industry, was your first thought “I don’t want to sell insurance”? This is one of the many misconceptions about the field that today’s returning guest, Dr. Megan Leivant, an internal medicine physician who transitioned to a role in life insurance medicine, is here to discuss. Dr. Leivant will also catch us up on her career path since her last appearance, review opportunities for physicians in the life insurance industry, share how to get started, and more! You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode121    In this episode we’re talking about: What the role of life insurance medical director entails The types of cases Megan reviews in her day-to-day work How denying coverage is (thankfully) not part of Dr. Leivant’s job Qualifications needed to work in this field Ways to network and learn more about life insurance roles Typical compensation for life insurance medical director roles Growth opportunities, including “what exactly is reinsurance?”   Links for this episode: AAIM American Academy of Insurance Medicine Insider’s Guide to Life Insurance Medicine Episode 8 Life Insurance - A Hidden Gem Of A Nonclinical Career with Dr. Megan Leivant 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. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview!

When transitioning out of clinical practice, many physicians are seeking more flexibility and also want to continue contributing to progressing health and science. My guest today, Dr. Jill Miracle, found a role that checks both of these boxes: working as a principal investigator for a contract research organization (CRO). Dr. Miracle will discuss why she was experiencing burnout in her role as an infectious disease doctor, how her new career provides a better work-life balance, and how you can explore being a principal investigator.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode120   In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Miracle’s path from ID doc to principal investigator What exactly is a principal investigator How work-life balance can influence your career journey Whether additional training is needed to be a principal investigator Jill’s day-to-day work in her current role and how she connects with patients What types of physicians are best suited for this role Typical compensation and how to get started as a principal investigator   Links for this episode: Clinical Trial Site - Here you can search on the clinical trials in your area and see if they need a sub-investigator.  LinkedIn for Physicians Course - This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.  

You’ve decided you need a change. You may even know what that change should be. But too often doctors fall into a trap that keeps them from making a needed change: the fear of uncertainty. Today’s guest, Dr. Navin Goyal, is here to help you reframe and conquer this common fear. Dr. Goyal is an anesthesiologist who stepped off the well-trodden path of full-time clinical practice to become an author and CEO, and he’s here to share his advice on how to navigate uncertainty and channel its power to help you move forward.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode119    In this episode we’re talking about: The uncertainty Dr. Goyal faced in his own career path Why doctors are especially prone to choosing certainty How facing uncertainty can build resilience and reduce fear The ways we already encounter uncertainty in our everyday lives How paying attention to what energizes you provides important information Using time management to start safely exploring new possibilities Why choosing unhappiness over uncertainty can be self-defeating   Links for this episode: Navin Goyal’s Website  - With resources (free course, investment PDF) and contact forms. Physician Underdog - Leveraging the underdog mentality to move forward by Navin Goyal, MD Beyond Physician - A free community platform to take courses, earn credentials, and get side gigs.  Dr. Navin Goyal’s LinkedIn  Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself right HERE.

While most physicians are familiar with the broad category of medical writing as a nonclinical career, many wonder what types of roles are available in this field. Spoiler alert: there are lots! My guest today, cardiologist and medical writer Dr. Yasmine Ali, is here to walk us through the many facets of medical writing and demystify this popular nonclinical career. She’ll discuss how she made this transition, available roles, compensation, how to get started in the field, and her fascinating new book.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/episode118    In this episode we’re talking about: How Dr. Ali transitioned into medical writing The many branches of medical writing Compensation for different areas of the field Whether you need a portfolio, medical license, and board certification If additional coursework or certifications are needed Pros and cons of freelance vs. employed work Yasmine’s new book about the Waverly train disaster    Links for this episode: Dr. Yasmine Ali’s Website Walk Through Fire: The Train Disaster That Changed America, Yasmine S. Ali, MD Introduction to Medical Writing - Dr. Yasmine Ali’s Online Course  Yasmine Ali’s LinkedIn Profile 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. Give yourself the best chance of getting that interview! LinkedIn for Physicians Course  This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.    🎉🎉 Special for the month of February 2023 – Get 15% off of my LinkedIn course by using the discount code LINKEDIN15 at the checkout page. Discount ends February 28, 2023.

Dr. Ron Jimenez, a pediatrician and CEO of CodeScribe, discusses the intriguing world of consulting for physicians. He explains the role of physician consultants as crucial liaisons between healthcare and corporate sectors. Ron highlights the importance of communication skills and adaptability in this field. He shares insights on transitioning from clinical practice to consulting, including compensation details and networking tips. Additionally, he reveals his start-up's innovative augmented reality CPR training, emphasizing its life-saving potential.

Are you intrigued by the idea of being an expert witness but concerned about the potential need to appear in court? Enter a deposition-free alternative: the medical-legal case consultant. My guest today, Dr. Armin Feldman, is a psychiatrist with a fascinating story about how he developed a career in this field after working clinically with patients who sustained head injuries. Dr. Feldman has an online course and coaching program that teaches physicians how to establish themselves in this field and he’ll discuss the nature of the work, compensation, and how to get started.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/116   In this episode we’re talking about: The difference between being an expert witness and a medical-legal consultant How Dr. Feldman developed a niche as a medical-legal consultant Which specialties are a good fit for this role Whether board certification, licensure, and current practice are needed for this work How to develop a medical-legal consulting practice and how long this takes Typical compensation for medical-legal consulting work Armin’s program for physicians interested in exploring medical-legal consulting   Links for this episode: Dr Armin Feldman’s Medical Legal Consulting Program  Dr. Armin Feldman’s LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn for Physicians Course - This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.  🌟🎉😁 Get 15% off the LinkedIn Course for a limited time - February 1 - 28th, 2023. Use the code LINKEDIN15 at the checkout. There is a money-back guarantee on this course. 

By the time many physicians transition to a nonclinical career, they admit to having a long-time gut feeling that practicing medicine wasn’t for them - they just didn’t listen. While the reasons for not listening differ, coming to terms with these conflicting feelings is necessary to move forward. Today’s guest, 4th year pathology resident Dr. Alec Jacobson, is here to share the story of his difficult decision to leave clinical medicine as it plays out in real time. He’ll discuss why he chose medicine, the doubts that followed him through medical school and residency, and how he decided to make a change.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/115   In this episode we’re talking about: Why Dr. Jacobson pursued a career in medicine When Alec told his parents he wanted to quit medical school What led Dr. Jacobson to continue despite his doubts How Alec chose to specialize in pathology Why personality traits affect how we approach career struggles Where Dr. Jacobson is now in his career transition process A special deal on my LinkedIn course for the month of February   Links for this episode: Dr. Alec Jacobson’s Story on LinkedIn - “My Own Accord” LinkedIn for Physicians Course - This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.  🎉🎉 Special for the month of February 2023 - Get 15% off of my LinkedIn course by using the discount code LINKEDIN15 at the checkout page. Discount ends February 28, 2023.