Are there any other ex-doctors here?

[humanpe]

I recently handed back my licence after 5 years of unhappiness as a doctor. Did F1, F2 and then 3 years of locum work but couldn't find any speciality I wanted to do enough to commit and stay. My mental health was in shatters, my relationship falling apart as a result, and I dreaded every single day.

It's been a bit of an isolating experience, as I don't know any doctors who have actually left, hence putting this out there to see if anyone can relate. It seems that there are many many unhappy doctors but not many make the leap and actually leave. And I totally get that as it is highly daunting walking away from something you've been aiming towards since about 13 years old...

Not an ex doctor but pretty much an ex midwife. I’m still on the register and do the very occasional bank shift but it’s certainly not my main career now. Leaving was the best thing I ever did.

I do know some ex doctors who left for similar reasons to you. They’ve all moved to slightly related careers. Some have set up doing Botox and fillers and are making good money. Couple of others are working for a pharmaceutical company, I think as sales reps.

Thanks @QuebecBagnet , how is life treating you now?
I'm working in business now, totally and entirely unrelated, and am training up from the bottom again. I wanted nothing that required GMC registration or any possibly relevance to coroners courts

I left a surgical ST rotation in London about 8 years ago and now work in Pharma.
The first couple of years are the worst as I felt guilty at leaving all my colleagues for more money and better work life balance but I now realise I never would have been able to achieve what I wanted in life if I had stayed in that career.
It’s just a mindset change and getting used to how ‘normal’ people work and live without sleep depravation, someone constantly moaning at you, and the Huge overwhelming stress of the job x

@humanpe I think there is a Facebook group for doctors who have left. Not sure if you’ve got kids but I heard about it through the PMGUK (physician mums group). I think it’s much more usual that we realise. Glad you are happier now.

@Bex000 do you mind me asking how you got into pharma? And are all the doctor transfer senior/at reg level? And do you still need GMC reg? Thanks

[quote MarriedAtLastLight]@humanpe I think there is a Facebook group for doctors who have left. Not sure if you’ve got kids but I heard about it through the PMGUK (physician mums group). I think it’s much more usual that we realise. Glad you are happier now.[/quote]
Thank you! I am on there. Had a search and couldn't find- if you come across it again would appreciate if you could link or PM me on here- thanks so much

@humanpe life is pretty good thanks. I moved into lecturing so totally using all my knowledge and yes it’s still stressful at times. Crazy workload but no matter how bad it is it’s never as bad as trying to provide care for too many women at once. Pays better as well. 😁

You need at least 2 years clinical experience for Pharma and most doctors still registered, Revalidation etc
Take a look at the faculty website as it has loads of information on moving into Pharma www.fpm.org.uk/