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Whether to gain new experiences and progress your career, or to take some time away from the pressures of clinical life, non-clinical physician jobs have been on the rise in recent years.
However, let’s first define what we mean by non-clinical work for doctors.
Typically, non-clinical physician jobs are alternative careers where a doctor’s existing skills gained from clinical practice are valued and sought after.
This article looks at the most popular non-clinical jobs in the UK and USA. Further options are discussed at the end.
What are the requirements for non-clinical work?
The benefits of having your current skillset valued by your employer are clear – you will retain some level of seniority and pay.
This is in contrast to other alternative careers like finance, where you will be expected to gain the relevant qualifications and experience before progressing.
Non-clinical careers for doctors are therefore a safer bet for those looking for a career switch.
That being said, for most you will need to undergo further training prior to or during your new position.
The most popular non-clinical physician jobs
MedTech
The world of medicine is constantly evolving, and MedTech is the primary driver. MedTech, or medical technology, is a broad term that covers a wide range of devices and software used to diagnose and treat patients.
It’s a rapidly growing industry, and there are a lot of opportunities for doctors with the right skillset. But what is it like working in MedTech? Let’s review some of the pros and cons of being a doctor in the MedTech world.
The Pros of Working in MedTech
- Rapidly growing industry, so there are always new opportunities for career advancement.
- A career in MedTech gives you the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and help shape the future of health
- The sector is crying out for doctors, so remuneration is often higher than a clinical salary
The Cons of Working in MedTech
Of course, there are also some challenges that come along with working in MedTech.
- Tech trends change swiftly – potentially leaving you with defunct knowledge
- Many new companies are naive, and will be relying heavily on your insights
- With such a rapidly-growing industry, there is a lot of change and uncertainty, both legally and financially
MedTech Fundamentals
- Improved Diagnostics
- More Efficient Treatment Plans & Patient Journeys
- Improved Patient Care & Outcomes
The most important benefit of MedTech is the way it has improved patient care. With digital and remote monitoring, we can catch problems early and provide timely treatment that previously would have delayed or hidden.
Additionally, MedTech has made it possible for patients to access their own medical information through online portals. This gives the ability to not only stay informed but make better decisions about their own health.
Patient outcomes are now being improved using ‘Big Data’ in a way not previously possible. Data and analytics help identify individual and national level trends and areas for improvement that would otherwise be unseen.
Hospital Management & Administration
The study and practice of hospital management has become an increasingly popular field for doctors in recent years. With the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare industry, it is more important than ever for hospitals to be run efficiently and effectively. Hospital managers play an ever increasingly key role.
While many doctors may have the clinical knowledge and experience necessary to excel in this role, they often lack the business acumen required to be truly successful. That’s where an MBA comes in.
You can read more about the different types of MBA available to doctors and medical students here.
An MBA is a Master’s in Business Administration.
It is a graduate-level degree that equips students with the business skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of industries. For aspiring hospital managers, an MBA can provide the perfect foundation on which to build a successful career.
Hospital management is a complex and challenging role that requires not only a deep understanding of the healthcare industry but also strong business acumen.
What Does a Hospital Manager Do?
The responsibilities of a hospital manager vary depending on the size and type of facility they are overseeing.
However, some common duties include:
- developing and implementing policies and procedures
- managing budgets
- directing staff
- ensuring smooth and efficient business operations
In short, you’ll be responsible for the overall operation of the institution.
This includes ensuring that the hospital is run effectively, developing long-term plans for the hospital’s growth and expansion, overseeing the financial performance of the institution, and working with the medical staff to ensure high-quality patient care.
While clinical experience is important, it is not always enough to excel in this role.
Hospital managers need to be able to juggle a variety of tasks and priorities while still maintaining a keen understanding of both the healthcare industry and business world.
That’s where an MBA comes in handy. An MBA gives aspiring hospital managers the necessary business skills and knowledge to succeed in this demanding role.
Medical Education
The term ‘medical educator’ covers a wide range of roles and activities within healthcare.
Medical educators are essentially responsible for ensuring that doctors are trained to a high standard and are up-to-date with the latest medical developments.
There are opportunities available for medical educators at all stages of their career, from pre-registration through to retirement.
Skills and Qualifications Required
There are many different skills and qualifications required to become a medical educator. The most important skills are those related to teaching, such as the ability to develop lesson plans, deliver presentations, and facilitate workshops. Other important skills include:
• A good understanding of adult learning principles
• The ability to use technology for teaching (e.g. virtual learning environments)
• Excellent communication skills
• Good organisation and time management skills
In terms of qualifications, many medical educators will hold a postgraduate qualification in medical education (e.g. a Master’s degree or PhD). Universities also offer short courses in medical education which can be beneficial for those looking to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
It is also important for medical educators to be up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, so regular continuing professional development (CPD) is essential.
Opportunities Available
There are many different opportunities available for medical educators in the UK. Some roles may be based solely within healthcare settings, such as teaching hospitals or GP surgeries, while others may be based within universities or other educational institutions.
There is also a growing need for freelance medical educators, who can delivery training on an ad-hoc basis as and when required.
Some common roles include:
1) Clinical tutor – responsible for delivering training to doctors in clinical placements
2) Foundation Programme director – oversees the delivery of postgraduate training for new doctors
3) Medical school lecturer – delivers lectures and tutorials to undergraduate students
4) Postgraduate dean – responsible for developing and delivering postgraduate training programmes
5) Undergraduate course director – oversees the design and delivery of an undergraduate course
6) University professor – conducts research and teaches at university level
7) Visiting professor – gives lectures at universities on a part-time basis
8) Writer/editor – produces educational materials such as textbooks or journal articles
9) eLearning developer – creates digital resources such as online courses or modules
10) Freelance Consultant – provides advice or guidance on educational matters.
There are many different opportunities available for those interested in becoming medical educators in the UK.
While some roles may require extensive experience and qualifications, there are also many entry-level roles which may be suitable for those just starting out in their career.
No matter what your level of experience, if you have a passion for teaching and want to make a difference in the education of the next generation of doctors, it can be a fulfilling non-clinical role to consider.
Other Non-Clinical Roles
Public Health
Pharmaceutical Medicine
Occupational Medicine
Medical Communication & Journalism
Medical Law
Medical Politics and Ethics
The Civil Service (UK)
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