The road less traveled: Non-traditional careers for physicians

Not every young physician plans to pursue the conventional course to a clinical career in medicine. Learn more about other options and what inspired physicians to follow them. Researcher, political adviser, medical director for a jail—these and other options were on the table during a workshop titled “Shaping unique careers in medicine,” part of the 2016 AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago. Inspiration in surprising places Outside-the-box choices can excite the imagination and bring a satisfying and inspiring career in sometimes unexpected places. “We had an appetite for doing something other than clinical practice,” said Erick Eiting, MD, referring to himself and the other panelists. He told students in the standing-room-only session that he had never thought of a career in medical care for inmates until his dean called him into his office one day and pitched the idea. Today he is medical director for USC Correctional Health, a collaboration of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the county health department and Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Eiting has since found his sense of mission serving some of the most medically and socially disenfranchised in society: those behind bars. “I think you’ll realize along the way that there will be opportunities that present themselves to you, things you never considered before,” Dr. Eiting told students. “Half the skill is recognizing when you have a good opportu...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news