Physician business ideas - Optional Careers for Physicians

For the last 11 years, I’ve edited a monthly newsletter Physician Practice Options. You might want to go to website www.mdoptions.com to read the latest edition, and in particular an article “Making Changes in Mid-Career.” The article says many physicians are making career changes in response to: 1) low reimbursement, 2) loss of autonomy. 3) bureaucratic red tape; 4) patient overload, and 5) loss of respect.


I suspect there’s another major reason – a desire to become the hammer rather than the nail. Physicians are weary of being pounded upon by critics and “the system,” of having the deck stacked against them, and they seek to give directions rather than taking them, to become leaders rather than followers. In essence, they want to make a difference.


The article also says doctors changing careers should possess these skills,

• Dealing with complex situations.

• Multitesting

• Communicating

• Educating (patients, staff, and other medical professionals)

• Remaining calm under fire

• Coping with adversity

• Absorbing information quickly

• Resolving difficulties

• Managing staff, interns, and residents

• Running a business

• Concentrating and staying focused for long periods

• Knowing computers and other technical equipment



It isn’t easy for a physician to change careers, and a little mentoring, counseling, and investigation can help ease the transition – or to reject the idea.