What are some of the best non-clinical physician jobs?

Many doctors love clinical practice, but some may desire to use their medical degrees differently. Aside from treating patients, medical practitioners have a variety of employment choices. Many people imagine physicians and nurses working in clinics, giving injections, and diagnosing patients when they think of medical careers.

Non-clinical professions in the healthcare industry, on the other hand, provide a plethora of additional career options. One of these five possibilities outside the clinic could be appealing to a new physician or someone searching for a career shift.

Hospital administrator

A hospital administrator is one of the most frequent and well-paid non-clinical physician jobs occupations ($50,000 to $170,000). This position necessitates a background in healthcare and business administration, with graduate degrees in both being preferred. Physicians who have not studied business administration may consider getting a second degree to succeed as a hospital administrator.

Health care organization director

Numerous non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other groups might benefit from physicians' knowledge and skills for someone seeking a non-clinical MD career ($91,509 to $116,240), serving as the director of a healthcare company. The scope of these occupations might be multinational or domestic. When choosing a position with a non-profit organization, it's especially vital to think about the implications of a significant pay raise. Other, more generous benefits come with this job, but they may not be sufficient to support someone used to a physician's income.

Healthcare consultant:

Hospitals, pharmaceutical corporations, physician groups and labs, government agencies, medical device businesses, and non-profit organizations require healthcare consulting. As a healthcare consultant, you could advise on technology integration, mergers, and acquisitions, financial management, research, product development, or healthcare consumption.

Medical writer/editor

Textbook creation, exam prep materials, peer-review papers, pharmaceutical and medical device firms, and healthcare media such as journals and websites require expert health writers and editors. Medical writing may frequently be done from home and on your own time, making it an excellent option for individuals who want complete freedom.

Forensic medical examiner

If you have a penchant for actual crime, a career in forensic medicine could be just up your alley. Becoming a pathologist, coroner, or medical examiner will undoubtedly include returning to school for forensic pathology residency and fellowship training. Still, mystery fans may find this route to be far more gratifying than standard clinical medicine.

Expert witness/medical malpractice expert

Every doctor's most significant dread is being sued, so being an expert witness might feel like a dark side commitment. On the other hand, medical professionals operate on both sides of the divide, defending physician judgments and supporting patients who have been abused. It might feel good to know that you contributed to the defense of justice, regardless of which side of the argument you support. Signing up as a medical expert might be a good possibility for extra physician income if you are willing to be cross-examined and sit through a courtroom trial.

Pharmaceutical industry consultant

Working as a consultant in the pharmaceutical business (paying $80,000 to $150,000) can be a tough non-clinical jobs for physicians. Physicians are employed by pharmaceutical firms to assist in the creation of clinical trials, to cooperate on product development and marketing, and negotiate the FDA's complicated regulatory structure (FDA). Typically, physicians who engage in the pharmaceutical business will work in the bureaucracy of state and federal regulatory bodies or a laboratory for long periods. Before deciding on a career path in the pharmaceutical industry, it's vital to think about what kind of profession you want.

Health educator

A health educator ($54,000 to $70,000) is another frequent non-clinical employment for physicians. This might be an academic job at a large institution or a teaching position in the local school system's health sciences department. Most doctors already have all of the qualifications required to serve as university professors. A few teaching seminars, on the other hand, wouldn't hurt. Teaching in a local school system, on the other hand, frequently necessitates a physician obtaining a teaching credential for their location.