The Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast

If you’re early in your career and feeling like clinical medicine isn’t the right path for you, you’re not alone. Many physicians struggle with the decision about whether or not to leave residency. It can be hard to know if these feelings are temporary or not and whether “sticking it out” will be beneficial for your future career. Today I’m talking with Dr. Sam Kessel, who realized during his intern year that clinical medicine was not the right path for him. He’ll discuss how he made the tough decision to leave residency and why his new career as a consultant is a great fit for his passion, personality, and goals.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/85   In this episode we’re talking about: How the pandemic influenced Dr. Kessel’s intern year experience Why Sam decided to pursue an MBA during medical school What a strategy consultant does and how to learn more about the field Factors to assess if you’re considering leaving residency The power of LinkedIn for connecting with others who share your interests Why Dr. Kessel is so passionate about the intersection of medicine and technology Steps physicians can take to explore consulting roles   Links for this episode: Dr. Kessel’s LinkedIn  Episode 79: Find fun and flexibility as a consultant Rock Health podcast MDisrupt - A site to connect health experts with digital health companies to help bring impactful products to market quickly and responsibly.  STAT biotech podcast 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. 

What if I told you there was a nonclinical career that allowed you to spend your time helping patients understand their medical conditions and get appropriate care? Does this sound too good to be true? Today’s guest, Dr. Caitlin Fawcett, is here to tell you it’s not. Dr. Fawcett is a patient advocate and she’ll discuss what’s involved in her role, how a family medical diagnosis led her down this career path, different ways you can work as a patient advocate, and what her day-to-day work is like.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/84   In this episode we’re talking about: How Caitlin’s experience advocating for her father changed her career path The difference between employed and independent patient advocates How Dr. Fawcett assists patients wanting a second opinion What medical specialties are sought after for patient advocacy work Compensation and schedule considerations for patient advocates What’s involved in Dr. Fawcett’s day-to-day work  Who might be a good fit for patient advocate work   Links for this episode: Podcast 68 - Being a Patient Advocate is a Real Option Learn about starting your own side gig or fulltime business as a patient advocate in this episode with Dr. Nicole Rochester 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!

Decided on your nonclinical career path? Check. Tuned up your resume? Check. Applied to jobs? Check. Prepared for your nonclinical interview?? If not, it’s time to add this item to your checklist and start preparing well in advance. Transitioning to a nonclinical role means adapting to a different interview style. My guest today is Dr. Karyn Woelflein, a PM&R physician who transitioned to a nonclinical role and learned this lesson the hard way. She’s here to share what she learned from a bad experience, how she improved her interview skills, and what you can do to nail that job interview.  You can download “10 Tips to Rock Your Interview” by going to the Freebie tab on the doctorscrossing.com website.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/83   In this episode we’re talking about:   Why Dr. Woelflein was surprised by her first nonclinical interview experience How honest recruiter feedback motivated Karyn to make changes The role of structured preparation before nonclinical interviews A helpful mnemonic for framing succinct, personal interview answers Techniques for tactfully pausing to collect your thoughts during an interview Why pertinent, personal anecdotes make you a memorable interviewee The importance of having questions prepared for your interviewer   Links for this episode: 10 Tips to Rock Your Interview - Download your free guide to preparing for your nonclinical interviews. Scroll down when you’re on the Freebie tab to grab this resource and find others as well.  Podcast 25 How to Rock Your Nonclinical Interviews Podcast 39 How to Sound More Confident in Interviews   

In planning a transition to a nonclinical career, have you considered the role your personality plays in choosing the job that fits you best? Understanding your personality type can help you recognize which jobs are a good match for you. Enter the Enneagram! In this second episode of a two-part series, physician and coach Dr. Karen Barnard joins me again for a detailed look at this handy tool. We’ll discuss personality types 5-9, their gifts and liabilities, and how to use the Enneagram for personal and professional growth.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/82 In this episode we’re talking about: How you can take the Enneagram test  Detailed descriptions of personality types 5-9 What work settings those with personality types 5-9 may be drawn to Recommendations for personal growth based on personality type Which personality types are more common for physicians Using the Enneagram to better understand others in your life How we all have elements of each personality type within us Links for this episode: Episode 81: Are you in the right job for your Enneagram personality type? Part 1 Dr. Karen Barnard’s Coaching Website Karen@drkarenbarnard.com Karen Barnard’s LinkedIn Profile Take the Enneagram Personality Assessment (RHETI) $12 Enneagram Institute - Learn more about the Enneagram Types  Burning Out? Recommendations For Your Personality Type - A blog post where I discuss helpful tips for each of the Enneagram types to combat burnout. 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! Books: The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Riso and Hudson The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron

You likely know many of your personality traits. Are you loyal? A caregiver? A protector?  But have you ever considered how your combination of personality traits might play a role in what jobs are the best fit for you? This is where the Enneagram comes in! In today’s episode, which is part one of a two-part series, I’ll be taking a deep dive into this incredible tool with fellow physician and coach Dr. Karen Barnard. We’ll discuss how you can use the Enneagram for both improved self-understanding and identification of the work types and environments that best fit your personality.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/81 In this episode we’re talking about: How to use the Enneagram as a personal and professional growth tool Why and how your personality develops early in childhood  The gifts and liabilities of personality traits What information the Enneagram offers and how to utilize it Detailed descriptions of personality types 1-4 Which work settings and types often appeal to those with types 1-4 How types 1-4 can use the Enneagram to build self-awareness   Links for this episode: Dr. Karen Barnard’s Coaching Website Karen@drkarenbarnard.com Karen Barnard’s LinkedIn Profile Take the Enneagram Personality Assessment (RHETI) $12 Enneagram Institute - Learn more about the Enneagram Types  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!

Have you ever wished you were able to help your patients create a healthier lifestyle, rather than just treating the diseases that can result from unhealthy habits? Today’s guest, Dr. Heather Hammerstedt, is an ER physician who has been passionate about helping others live healthier lives since before medical school - and now she harnesses the principles of lifestyle medicine to do just that. She’ll discuss what fueled her interest in this area, what lifestyle medicine is, different ways to practice in the field, and how to pursue a career in lifestyle medicine. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/80 In this episode we’re talking about: How lifestyle medicine is different from integrative and functional medicine What sparked Dr. Hammerstedt’s interest in the field Heather’s career path from ER physician to lifestyle medicine coach Different lifestyle medicine practice and reimbursement models The difference between lifestyle medicine as a physician vs. a coach How Dr. Hammerstedt’s company, Wholist, approaches lifestyle coaching Ways for you to explore a career in lifestyle medicine   Links for this episode: Wholist Health Dr. Heather Hammerstedt’s LinkedIn Profile American College of Lifestyle Medicine Institute of Lifestyle Medicine

Have you ever heard someone say they’re a consultant and thought, “OK, but what does that really mean?” While there are consultants in just about every field, physician consultants bring a special expertise to many healthcare-related areas, making this a potentially lucrative and fulfilling side gig or career change option. My guest today, Dr. Christopher Loo, is a true entrepreneur and he’s here to discuss the nuts and bolts of consulting. If you’ve ever wondered what consulting is, how to get started, and what opportunities are available, we’ve got answers.   You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/79   In this episode we’re talking about: The difference between employed and freelance consulting work Why physicians are the ultimate consultants Popular physician consulting opportunities The role of networking in building your consulting business Exploring your consulting interests Overcoming the fear of failure How to develop a consulting niche to match your passion   Links for this episode: Check out our Free Resouces! 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!   Dr. Chris Loo’s Website Dr. Chris Loo’s Podcast Dr. Chris Loo’s Instagram

What would you do if there were more time in the day? Finally write that novel? Spend it with family? Get more sleep? While we can’t make more time in the day, many of us can use the time we have to get personal and professional tasks done more efficiently. In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Wilner joins me as we share some of our favorite time management strategies. We discuss 7 tips including how knowing your “why”, developing a system, and “eating that frog” can help you prioritize and get things done faster. Make sure to check out the FREE download with select time management books and resources just for you! You can find the show notes for this episode and the FREE download by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/78 In this episode we’re talking about: How starting with “why” can bring clarity to your to-do list Why developing a system for tasks is a must for efficiency How doing something once saves time in the end Why “eating that frog” can change your outlook on the day ahead Some ways to address perfectionism so it doesn’t slow you down An interesting truth about why you may be procrastinating How to successfully focus and complete deep work Links for this episode: Time Management Resources - Download a great list of books and apps that can help you with procrastination, building successful habits, finding ways to focus better, and MORE! Dr. Andrew Wilner’s Website The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner Podcast - Listen on Buzzsprout or your favorite podcast app. The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner on YouTube Underwater with Dr. Andrew - Dr. Wilner’s youtube channel 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 right HERE.   Podcast #24 On Locum Tenens with Dr. Andrew Wilner

While many physicians experiencing burnout feel the best path for them is transitioning to a nonclinical job, others realize they have a clinical passion outside of their current specialty that reinvigorates their love for practicing medicine. This is what happened to today’s guest, Dr. Dana Muhlfelder, an EM physician who found joy and balance by pursuing work in the hospice and palliative care field. She’ll share how she realized she needed to explore additional career options, why she loves hospice and palliative care, and what she did to create a career that works for her. We’ll also learn about some steps you can take to explore this expanding and much needed area in medicine. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/77 In this episode we’re talking about: What led Dr. Muhlfelder to search for professional fulfillment outside of the ER Why Dana finds end-of-life care to be so meaningful How she found a fellowship program that fit her needs What it was like completing a fellowship while working as an attending How Dr. Muhlfelder balances her two roles now Why Dana feels finding her new path saved her career How to pursue this career option if it interests you Links for this episode: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Death Cafe   Book Recommendations ON LIVING by Kerry Egan BEING MORAL by Atul Gawande MORTALITY by Christopher Hitchens WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR by Paul Kalanithi IN SHOCK by Rana Awdish THAT GOOD NIGHT by Sunita Puri A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE END by BJ Miller

Many physicians looking for a nonclinical role are interested in the pharmaceutical industry, but concerned that a lack of clinical trial experience makes them undesirable candidates. Today’s guest, Dr. Madeline Edwards, is here to discuss why this is far from the truth. Dr. Edwards transitioned from a clinical role as an OB-GYN into a drug safety position at a pharmaceutical company by strengthening her resume with a few straightforward activities. She’ll share the steps she took to build her resume, what she does now, and how she overcame mental barriers along the way. You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/76 In this episode we’re talking about: Dr. Edwards’ struggles with anxiety in clinical practice Three ways Madeline quickly made herself a desirable job applicant Why LinkedIn is an important tool for nonclinical job seekers How Madeline knew this was the right career path for her Misconceptions Dr. Edwards had about pharma before entering the industry Madeline’s day-to-day work as a drug safety physician How to enhance your research background in a private practice setting Links for this episode: Episode #71: 3 Myths About Getting Into Pharma Episode #67: How to Increase Your Desirability as an Applicant for Nonclinical Jobs Episode #27 Prepare Ahead For a Transition 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!