•••quote:•••Originally posted by mdjmd:
•Hi y'all. This is my first post here. I graduated from UTMB in Galveston last spring and am on the hunt for a job related to health and medicine (but not direct patient care). Fortunately, I don't have debt hanging over my head and can afford to take some time to find just the right niche.
Does anyone here know anyone that's done something completely different with their medical degree? Consulting, writing, "medicalese" translation, etc?
Thanks,
Mason•••••Many physicians have had very fruitful non-clinical careers. During the boom times of the late 90s you could almost literally call up a pharma firm or a consulting firm and say the letters "M.D." and get an interview or at least a meeting. In today's climate I'm not so sure about that.
To take your questions separately: Consulting has been a big employer in the past of those with graduate degrees. The top management consulting firms are McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). There are however many many firms, some specializing only in health care, some specializing in IT, some are also generalists (like the aforementioned 3). Check out their websites to get a sense of the companies.
Writing: The most notable non-medical writer with an M.D. has to be Michael Crichton (Harvard Med Grad). Writing novels, even medical novels though is not as easy as it seems. You might however be able to find employment with a news organization (virtually every news organization keeps an M.D. on hand to explain things). Journalism is likewise not easy however, be prepared for a long time in the trenches to get the glory.
Medicalese translation: Some companies have tried and failed while others have succeeded in creating a business model around translating medical jargon into passable English. Don't have the faintest clue how one is success in this.
One thing you didn't mention is industry: Insurers, hospitals, medical device companies, and pharma companies may be a good choice for you since you almost certainly need training in business skills and striking out on your own yet is probably not a great idea.
In short: the opportunities are there, people are impressed with a medical degree (If only they knew how few real non-medical skills come with a "Dr." in front of your name!) and it should open up some doors. After that, it's up to you.
