Changing Career Path: From Clinical to non-Clinical

For a variety of reasons some physicians seek to switch their clinical career to a non-clinical position. However once they make that change it is very difficult to shift back to even a limited clinical practice, so it is important if you are considering making this change to take all factors in to account. After more than 2 years of a non-clinical position, it is very difficult to switch back to a clinical career.

While making the transition the focus doesn't have to have a dramatic stop to clinical work, it can be a slow decrease over time of a less clinically focused practice. Many physicians continue to maintain their state licenses and also up to date CME requirements to keep a possibility of more clinical work in the future.

The switch to a non-clinical position is very desireable to many phsyicians both as a retirement alternative as well as a research outlet for younger physicians. However the consequences are severe if the decision is based on short-term objectives, it is crucial to be certain you are ready to make the switch prior to completely transitioning out of a clinical position.

Read the full article in American Medical News, or click here:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/07/bisa1107.htm