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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Job options for ex-doctors?

149 replies

Gottogetaplan · 04/07/2023 01:23

Have name changed to post. I have resigned as a doctor and would welcome any ideas for a middle aged ex-doctor that is a few years from retirement.

OP posts:

PaigeMatthews · 04/07/2023 06:42

Here's a thought from extreme left field - what about a doctor on a cruise ship? Arguably not as restful as some people might think due to the demographics but definitely different!

i instantly got Love Boat flash backs.

Mumoftwoinprimary · 04/07/2023 06:47

PaigeMatthews · 04/07/2023 06:42

Here's a thought from extreme left field - what about a doctor on a cruise ship? Arguably not as restful as some people might think due to the demographics but definitely different!

i instantly got Love Boat flash backs.

Or how about a doctor in a holiday resort in somewhere like Lanzarote. 7 cases of sunburn, 6 ear infections and a nasty case of d&v before lunch and then spend the afternoon on a beach?

GCalltheway · 04/07/2023 06:51

Tyrionapproach · 04/07/2023 06:39

Alongside the other suggestions there should be one or two Quality Improvement posts along soon if you want to stay in the NHS, the QI folk I've met so far are some of the most sensible I've met in my last two NHS employers. (Yes, I know, given how utterly baths*t most of the NHS, and indeed the UK, is right now that's not saying much.)

Here's a thought from extreme left field - what about a doctor on a cruise ship? Arguably not as restful as some people might think due to the demographics but definitely different!

I know there's this lovely idea, often from people who might not have lived there, that moving somewhere rural will be a peaceful idyll, but the coast and country side have their own issues, also much worse after COVID.

Medical Education, Writer, Pharmacy Information Officer would probably be reasonable matches. I don't know what your pension options are, any chance of taking it early albeit at a reduced rate due to ill health?

Wishing you all the best.

I love rurally how on earth is it ‘different’ after covid? That just doesn’t make sense. It is just the same as before.

Here you can have a good work - life balance. Enjoy riding, sailing, hiking, yoga, wild swimming and decompress fully after work in tranquil surroundings. It works well for lots of people.

TarquinOliverNimrod · 04/07/2023 06:53

GCalltheway · 04/07/2023 06:51

I love rurally how on earth is it ‘different’ after covid? That just doesn’t make sense. It is just the same as before.

Here you can have a good work - life balance. Enjoy riding, sailing, hiking, yoga, wild swimming and decompress fully after work in tranquil surroundings. It works well for lots of people.

Show quote history

Absolutely this! Living rurally has been the best thing DH and I have done for our health and well being and that of our son. Worse since Covid poppycock. It’s just as wonderful as it always was. Surrounded by beautiful nature, great outdoorsy lifestyle. What’s not to love.

Heybearu · 04/07/2023 06:56

Thank you for your service, I hope you are bring supported with your mental health.
Teaching at med school may be an option. What are your interests or passions? Could you write?
Recovery work is an interesting area for people with drug and alcohol addictions, or working for a charity that is close to your heart.

Yikesno · 04/07/2023 06:59

Medical transcriptionist if you can afford to take a massive pay cut. Pharmaceutical rep, clinical trials, aesthetics or private medicine if you can't. But it's very sad it's come to this - as a country we should never have let our precious valuable doctors get to this point.

mycoffeecup · 04/07/2023 07:00

Have you ever done medical writing? I do that part-time as well as being a GP.

DisforDarkChocolate · 04/07/2023 07:03

Have you thought about ad-hoc or committee type roles with organisations such as the GMC or NIHR?

notafraidofthebigbadwolf · 04/07/2023 07:12

I second PP about finding a role at a life insurance company if you want to use your knowledge and get paid appropriately.

Arewehumanorarewecupboards · 04/07/2023 07:16

What kind of doctor?

Rewis · 04/07/2023 07:16

I work in medical supply procurement for NHS and we have different health care professionals working. Also our suppliers have medical personally working as representatives, r&d etc. So basically whatever company sells medical products you could work for.

Idrankyourbananamilk · 04/07/2023 07:23

Hi OP. Would be helpful to know your speciality, there may be more options e.g. if infectious diseases or emergency medicine.

My old consultant is now an editor for a high profile journal. I know an ex-registrar who is a medical advisor for Roche.

OrwellianTimes · 04/07/2023 07:23

Have you considered doing locum work and moving to a rural area? I know a GP who did this and it was a fraction of the pressures of a big city practice.

So sorry you’ve burned out.

Mintearo7 · 04/07/2023 07:28

I would speak to recruitment for a pharma company up go through the job options. There are so many roles that require medical expertise. Plus the pay is decent.

Shivermytimber · 04/07/2023 07:35

I am so sorry to hear you are feeling this way. So many more will follow I fear.
Not totally diversifying but using your current skills have you thought about media and expedition medicine? I have had an absolute ball on all my trips, met some wonderful people and most importantly it’s helped to keep me sane and still in the NHS cesspool for my day job.
The pay isn’t NHS comparable but when you are being paid to be on a tropical Island or rescuing people from a mountain peak the thrill of just doing the job you love without all the politics the NHS brings with it is worth so much more.

BackOfTheMum5net · 04/07/2023 07:39

Occupational health for businesses?
My cousin switched from being a GP to public health- though that did become more stressful during Covid too! Back to food poisoning outbreaks now though.

GCalltheway · 04/07/2023 07:42

Also consider your pension and the impact on that. I would ask for the help of a trusted financial adviser in your position.

tonyhawks23 · 04/07/2023 07:43

A friend of mine left the profession recently and now works for a charity.you are right to put your mental health first,all the best as you move forward.

pambeeslyhalpert2 · 04/07/2023 07:43

Working for the GMC? Or some kind of medical board?

GCalltheway · 04/07/2023 07:44

BackOfTheMum5net · 04/07/2023 07:39

Occupational health for businesses?
My cousin switched from being a GP to public health- though that did become more stressful during Covid too! Back to food poisoning outbreaks now though.

My friend did this too.
It is quiet now they have dealt with monkey pox!! It started out as such a bland profession with zero drama to headline news over night with covid. But yes back to bland now and well paid.

AbsoIutelyLovely · 04/07/2023 07:46

I’d go into medical writing. It pays brilliantly.

SunsetBeauregarde · 04/07/2023 07:46

Look for companies that have a vague medical application - so medical devices that are supposed to improve posture or circulation or recovery or whatever, or supplement companies etc. I work in marketing and they pay £££££££ to be able to say they have a doctor or any kind of medical professional helping to develop their products.

I know or a particular physiotherapist who’s currently earning upwards of £170k a year from a single brand who pay her to be the name behind the science of their product…

Simplepink · 04/07/2023 07:47

private botox/facial asthmatics clinic

Username7254184taken · 04/07/2023 07:47

Legal - specialist witness
QI - NHS is on a massive recruitment drive for specialists in this field at band 8
Academia

But as everyone has pointed out any job at this pay grade is stressful it's just about what type of stress you want to endure

Fobabett · 04/07/2023 07:48

RoyKentFanclub · 04/07/2023 05:47

I say this gently (and prepared for a pile on) but have you considered the fact that unless you take a massive pay cut, most jobs are hard work and stressful?

There's different types of stresses and triggers, if OP is being affected by being a doctor then of course it's sensible to move on. I'm sure a highly educated and intelligent person is aware that jobs have different rates of pay and aren't all a walk in the park.

OP it depends really, what sort of hours? Office based or still around people? Min wage that would be workable?

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