

The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast
Heather Fork, MD
Are you a physician who's questioning your career path? If you're at the white coat crossroads, for whatever reason, this podcast is for you. We're going to help you find your best path forward, whether it's to be happier in patient care, transition to a nonclinical career, or do something completely different.
In the weekly podcasts, we're bringing you all the good stuff:
-Actionable tools and resources to help you start making positive changes.
-Interviews with physicians who've found new and fulfilling ways to practice as well as those who've transitioned into nonclinical careers.
-Concrete advice for applying to jobs, using LinkedIn, interviewing, negotiating, and much more.
Your host, Dr. Heather Fork, is a former board-certified dermatologist who transitioned into full-time career coaching for physicians over 10 years ago. She is a master certified coach who has been helping hundreds of physicians find ways to be happier both in medicine and beyond.
Come visit us at www.doctorscrossing.com to learn more!
In the weekly podcasts, we're bringing you all the good stuff:
-Actionable tools and resources to help you start making positive changes.
-Interviews with physicians who've found new and fulfilling ways to practice as well as those who've transitioned into nonclinical careers.
-Concrete advice for applying to jobs, using LinkedIn, interviewing, negotiating, and much more.
Your host, Dr. Heather Fork, is a former board-certified dermatologist who transitioned into full-time career coaching for physicians over 10 years ago. She is a master certified coach who has been helping hundreds of physicians find ways to be happier both in medicine and beyond.
Come visit us at www.doctorscrossing.com to learn more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 30, 2022 • 31min
Episode #106: Leaving Surgery For a Career In Medical Devices
Many physicians transitioning to nonclinical careers are aware of available roles in the pharmaceutical industry, but may be less familiar with career options in the medical device industry. Today's guest, Dr. Christine Mauro, is here to discuss how and why she transitioned into the medical device field after training as a general surgeon. She'll explain the similarities and differences between the pharmaceutical and medical device industries and we'll also dive into her day-to-day work, which physicians might be a good fit for these roles, 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/106 In this episode we're talking about: How Dr. Mauro realized she needed to change gears in her career Consultant and employed roles in the medical device industry How to find opportunities and the role of networking Christine's day-to-day work and typical hours in her current job Why Dr. Mauro finds her work so fulfilling Which types of physicians might be the best fit for this role Typical compensation for medical device industry jobs Links for this episode: 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!

Nov 23, 2022 • 33min
Episode #105: Being a Physician Advisor - What's the Scoop?
Have you heard about physician advisor opportunities but wondered what's REALLY involved in the daily work? Is there conflict with insurance companies? Push back from physician colleagues? Today's returning guest, family medicine physician Dr. Timothy Owolabi, is here to discuss these issues and more about the role of physician advisor. He will share what brought him back to this career path after changing gears to an analytics role, why he enjoys this work, and his day-to-day life as a physician advisor. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/105 In this episode we're talking about: How Dr. Owolabi returned to working as a physician advisor What the role of physician advisor entails The best aspects of Tim's current position Why the day-to-day schedule of a physician advisor is a big plus Typical compensation for these types of roles Which physicians might be a good fit for this career What type of training is needed to pursue physician advisor work Links for this episode: American College of Physician Advisors Physician Advisor Utilization Review Boot Camp Episode #44: How to Avoid a Career Wedgie - Dr. Timothy Owolabi's career path and how it evolved as he tried out several different types of positions and opportunities. His story shows how you do not have to find the perfect job out of the gate. 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!

Nov 16, 2022 • 34min
Episode #104: The Rewards of Public Speaking As A Side Gig
Most physicians are familiar with the more well-known side gigs - utilization review, expert witness, and (of course) those extra clinical shifts. But another lesser-known side hustle that can be both rewarding and lucrative is public speaking. My guest today, Dr. Jordan Grumet, is an internal medicine and hospice physician, writer, podcast host, and passionate public speaker. He's here to discuss how he began public speaking, key steps to getting started, and how to refine your public speaking skills. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/104 In this episode we're talking about: Dr. Grumet's career journey from private practice to entrepreneur and speaker Medical topics that sparked Jordan to pursue a speaking career The clinical event that shaped Dr. Grumet's approach to life and medicine How to develop topics and your public speaking skills Where to find an audience and how to establish yourself as a speaker The nuts and bolts of compensation for public speaking Jordan's other hats as an author, podcast host, and finance expert Links for this episode: Toastmasters Speakers Club Dr. Jordan Grumet's website. Taking Stock - A Hospice Doctor's Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life Dr. Jordan Grumet's Earn and Invest Podcast 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.

Nov 9, 2022 • 28min
Episode #103: Wound Care Physician - A Rewarding And Flexible Option
Physicians often leave clinical medicine not because they don't want to see patients anymore, but because they are burned out from the charting, long hours, and lack of flexibility that come with the role. But what if I told you that a clinical option exists that allows you to keep caring for patients without these common headaches? This is what today's guest, Dr. Heather Awad, a family medicine physician who transitioned to wound care, is here to discuss, along with why she loves this role and how you can pursue this option if it interests you. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/103 In this episode we're talking about: Dr. Awad's journey from family medicine to wound care How a career coach helped Heather find a role that fit her needs The day-to-day work of a wound care physician Training protocols and requirements for this role Schedule flexibility, hours, and charting responsibilities Typical compensation for this position Dr. Awad's life coaching business, focusing on weight loss Links for this episode: Vibrant-MD - Dr. Heather Awad's Website 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!

Nov 2, 2022 • 27min
Episode #102: A Flexible & Rewarding Side Gig - Plasma Center Medical Director
Physicians pursue side gigs for a variety of reasons, such as earning extra money, adding variety to their practice, or testing the waters in a new field. Today's returning guest, Dr. Helen Rhodes, is here to discuss a little known side gig that covers all three of these bases- being a medical director at a plasma center. Dr. Rhodes will share how she found this hidden gem of a role, what the responsibilities are, why she finds it so rewarding, and how you can pursue this position if it interests you. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/102 In this episode we're talking about: The path that led Dr. Rhodes to her first plasma center role Why our perception of plasma centers may differ from reality The (flexible!) hours, call, and work schedule for this position What Helen finds to be most challenging and rewarding in her work The training, responsibilities, and job scope for this role Which types of physicians are best suited for this work Typical reimbursement for plasma center medical directors Links for this episode: Episode 47: Dr. Rhode's Reentry to OB Story + Locum Tenens 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!

Oct 26, 2022 • 34min
Episode #101: Demystifying Jobs for Physicians in Pharma
Have you considered applying to roles in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industries, but are struggling to figure out which positions fit your skill set? This is a common source of confusion for physicians transitioning to these industries, which is why our returning guest today, Dr. Laura McKain, is here to demystify this lingo for us. Dr. McKain worked in the pharmaceutical industry for almost 15 years before transitioning to consulting and she's here to discuss what different industry roles entail, the skills needed for these positions, and who might be a good fit. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/101 In this episode we're talking about: Dr. McKain's journey from a clinical to a nonclinical career Different functional areas common to these industries Job titles found in each functional area What makes someone a good fit for each role The type of experience needed for these positions How to gain experience and enhance your resume for industry roles Typical compensation for these positions Links for this episode: Dr. Laura McKain's LinkedIn Profile McKain Consulting Dr. McKain's Pharma Industry Special Interest Group (PISIG) Insider's Guide to Pharma - Download this free resource that will give you an overview of the different roles available to physicians in the pharmaceutical industry. Podcast #43: Start Networking To Open Doors Podcast #76: How This Physician Solved The No Experience Issue To Get Into Pharma 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!

Oct 19, 2022 • 20min
Episode #100: Is A Lack of Validation Keeping You Stuck?
Seeking validation is a normal human behavior - whether we realize we are doing it or not. This can be especially true for physicians, who are often natural people pleasers. However, if you are considering a career or life change, it's important not to let the need for validation from others hold you back from doing what's best for you. In today's solo episode (my 100th podcast!), I'm discussing all things validation, including the different types of validation and how to process your own need for validation. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/100 In this episode we're talking about: Why we feel the need for validation One of my listeners who found validation through this podcast The special role of validation from our parents How to listen and trust your feelings without judgment The difference between external and internal validation Using lived experience as a form of validation My personal experience finding validation in my career change Links for this episode: 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!

Oct 12, 2022 • 31min
Episode #99: The Value of Pursuing Your Passion When You're In The Trenches
Have you ever wanted to pursue a passion but felt like something was holding you back? This is common among physicians and my guest today, Dr. Debra Blaine, is here to discuss how to conquer common obstacles we perceive to be standing in the way of pursuing our passion. Dr. Blaine is a family medicine physician and fiction novelist who will share the benefits of following a passion, how to make time for this, why indulging in a passion can be difficult for physicians, and what to do if you haven't identified your passion yet. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/99 In this episode we're talking about: How attending a writing conference inspired Dr. Blaine to get started Why writing provided Debra with an outlet for her work stress The unexpected benefits of following your passion How to find the time to pursue your passion What to do if you don't feel passionate about anything Viewing failure as a learning opportunity Why physicians have trouble engaging with their passion Links for this episode: Dr. Debra Blaine's website - Learn more about Debra's 3 books as well as her Mindset Coaching Services for physicians. Dr. Blaine is also available to coach aspiring writers at all stages, and offers authors an easy guide to quality self-publishing. 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!

Oct 5, 2022 • 36min
Episode #98: Take Back Control With A Direct Primary Care Practice
While many physicians are looking to make the leap to a nonclinical career, others want to continue practicing, but do it on their own terms. A popular option for those in the latter group is direct primary care, or DPC. Today, I'm excited to have not one, but two, direct primary care and lifestyle medicine physicians as my guests, Drs. Monica and Prisiliano Salas. They'll discuss what DPC is, the financial aspects of this practice model, how they incorporated lifestyle medicine into their practice, and steps you can take to pursue DPC for yourself. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/98 In this episode we're talking about: How a direct primary care model operates What inspired the Salas' to pursue opening a DPC practice The nuts and bolts of DPC financials How the Salas' created a flexible work schedule to meet their needs What types of specialties are best suited for DPC Why lifestyle medicine is easily integrated into the DPC model How you can get started down the path to practicing DPC medicine Links for this episode: Salveo Direct Care - The Salas' Direct Primary Care Practice Email Instagram Facebook The DPC Podcast - A podcast hosted by Dr. Landon Rousell on everything related to starting and running a direct primary care practice. Direct Primary Care Summit 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.

Sep 28, 2022 • 31min
Episode #97: It's Not Uncommon To Have Our Head In The Sand - What's The Remedy?
Have you ever had an "aha moment" where you suddenly realize there is a significant problem you've been avoiding by burying your head in the sand? This is a common behavior, and there are many reasons we may lean on this coping mechanism. But once you've admitted there is a problem, what's the next step? That's what today's guest, Dr. Tom Black, is here to discuss. Dr. Black is a Naval veteran and former ER physician, and he's going to share with us how to take an empowered stance and make informed decisions to achieve the life you want. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/97 In this episode we're talking about: Dr. Black's winding road to a career in medicine The value of learning from your mistakes How Tom realized a clinical career was not for him Assessing whether your current path will take you where you want to go The importance of asking yourself if you are happy Understanding the role of finances in making life decisions Why creating a plan is such a valuable tool Links for this episode: Dr. Thomas Black's LinkedIn The Passive Income Physician - Surviving a Career Crisis By Expanding Net Worth by Dr. Thomas Black The Tax Code: Change The Facts of Your Financial Life to Create True Wealth And Peace of Mind by Dr. Thomas Black 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!


