Job options for ex-doctors?

[Gottogetaplan]

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.

Expert witness work? (It's what I do).

Have you got kids or other commitments? I wonder if you could go abroad for a while, to a country that doesn't treat drs like shit? Have more of a work life, balance?

It is important to factor in by choosing a Min wage job or even one that is well paid but not as much - her retirement will be delayed, perhaps significantly, so if her problems continue into the next job and are not linked to her work after all she will be in a much worse position.

Burn out can be physical or mental exhaustion that requires a sabbatical and life style tweaks or it could be a more serious mental health problem. I don’t think we should speculate which one it is. However the latter is likely to require more than a change of job in my experience.

Some good suggestions above. I've got friends who do university teaching work and really enjoy it.

Have you considered something like a medical examiner role?

If you ever do want to return to something clinical, have a look at whether your local hospice has options for specialty doctors. Palliative care isn't stress-free obviously, but you have more time with patients and families and it can be very fulfilling. Several of my friends combine a day of hospice plus teaching/other roles so it doesn't have to be full time.

Wishing you a peaceful break and recovery . I'd recommend the 'you are not a frog' podcast - by Dr Claire Ashley around burnout, particularly on doctors

Medical monitor at a CRO?

Medical roles in FMCG or pharma companies. I work with a few ex doctors now. If you want to PM I can point you in the direction of a few companies

Clinical research based at a university?

Medical science liaison or medical information in a pharmaceutical company.

There are often posts by people
saying that since the pandemic, lots of people have moved to the country and/or bought second homes to wfh etc. So the limited resources there eg schools, doctors etc are increasingly stretched. Good to see this is not the case everywhere.

Despite being asked, the OP is not saying what branch of medicine they are in. If say they are a consultant microbiologist, they might struggle to work as a cruise ship doctor, but might excel in a lab. Medical writing requires a skill set not everyone has. A lot of Pharma jobs gp to the new doctors leaving as they are cheaper.

The OP needs to give more detail and context.

Speak to practioner health if you haven't already. It's OK to take a break before you decide what you want to do next.

I can understand why you want to leave completely but for me doing a few choice locums gives me the balance between making money and not hating my life.

Expert witness

😂😂😂 what? You know doctors extend past general practice, and there are many many many that did not/could not work over the telephone? This is a weird comment

Most doctors DID "go in" during Covid. What a strange remark.

Health insurers too employ doctors. A credible medical team is a tremendous asset to the business. It may not be a stress free environment though

Whatever type if doctor you are/were, there would probably be some scope for expert witness work. Some specialities much more than others though.

Another thought: advisor for one of the indemnity insurance companies eg MPS?

I'd not suggest teaching to anyone burned out from their previous role.

OK it's still being a doctor, but locum.

You do your hours, go home, the end. No-one expects you to go to endless tedious meetings. If you don't like the place you only need to give 2 weeks notice and you are off.

Masses of pip assessment jobs. But if you think COVID broke you then it's not for you.

What level income do you need, and what level do you want, and what was your specialty?

A number of the things suggested on this thread are, I think, either completely flooded with applicants, or unrealistic unless your specialty is a close match.

You need I'm afraid, to be realistic. Consider a total change of field - which is do-able if you can arrange your life to live on entry-level salary, perhaps supported by a side hustle or a second job (not such a daunting prospect when the stress is lower). What things interest you, excite you?

Investment Banking has always been a popular route for young medical doctors in the UK - but your age might count against you now.

Another option might be teaching - my cousin works with various unis / governing bodies to arrange training courses. But this is a popular route and only really a career option if you still practice.

Cruise ship Doctor, still medicine but not so high pressures