Embracing Alternative Careers: Why Physician Leaders Should Follow Their Passions

Dear PLJ editor:

I enjoyed reading Dr. Stacy’s article Exploring Unconventional Clinical Careers in the July 11th, 2024, Physician Leadership Journal. As a self-described ‘alternative career doc,’ might I suggest a different spin on her piece? Physician leaders should follow their professional passions, whenever and however they arise. In my own career, which started rather typically with a long period of training, first as a general and then a plastic surgeon, I was presented with numerous opportunities to explore non-clinical pursuits that aligned with my core passion – to improve patient care and outcomes. I cannot help but think that these exposures influenced my career path. Although the first years of my surgical practice were somewhat usual, when related opportunities arose, such as helping to make improvements in the OR in which I was operating, my formative experiences helped me visualize myself in additional roles within the system that might contribute on a more macro level. These activities led me to pursue an MBA and, eventually, administrative management of that OR and on to roles in the patient safety and risk management arenas.

I agree that many of the issues physicians complain most about in current medical practice derive from the lack of physician input into the drafting of rules, regulations, and best practices that we ostensibly are “too busy with clinical practice” with which to be involved. However, it is paramount that physicians take the lead in the development of state/federal laws, hospital by-laws, and other policies that have a significant impact on the practice of medicine. Stretching along the path of training to allow ourselves exposure to other ways in which we can make an impact leads us to incorporate new avenues of contributing to the field, whether early or later in one’s professional journey.

I also agree with Dr. Stacy’s statement that often these days “pursuing an unconventional path does feel like a last resort as they fight frustration and burnout from conventional medicine.” But I would urge physicians not to use these admittedly difficult feelings of helplessness to direct their path. Rather, follow the core passion of why you went into medicine in the first place and keep your eyes open. This proactive, more positive approach typically will lead physicians to the pursuit of alternative/unconventional roles that fulfill our longing to make healthcare better, no matter the route we take.