Options for Those Without Postgraduate Medical Training 

Today we revisit six jobs in which no residency is no problem. With the right experience and preparation, physicians have successfully landed all of these jobs. And for many, residency and not board certification are not required.

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This discussion was first presented in June of 2019. It was in response to one of the most common questions in the Physician Nonclinical Career Hunters Facebook Group.

If you’re in medical school and ambivalent about pursuing a residency, or if you did not match, today’s episode is made for you. 

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Why No Residency Is No Problem for These Jobs

Your MD or DO degree is valuable. It enables you to compete for jobs with PhDs and PharmDs. Remember, too, that these jobs are open to residency-trained physicians, often at slightly higher salary levels to start.

1. Medical Writing

For physicians looking for flexibility and home-based work, medical writing is one option. With a range of writing types, from blog articles to technical writing, doctors are sure to find something that fits their needs.

Travel requirements are minimal. But this job requires self-discipline. And, unless your writing is based on interviews, interacting with others is limited. As a result, this may not be the career for the gregarious extrovert.

2. Clinical Documentation Improvement

Medicare regulations have caused an explosion of companies focused on Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI). As a CDI professional, you will be trained in the intricacies of translating chart information to billing codes. This work is extremely important to hospitals. It determines whether appropriate payments are received and how quality measures are reported.

You can find these jobs in several situations. These include hospitals, large consulting firms, and as independent contractors. For the last one, working on-site or from home is possible. The job requires working on CDI teams, interacting with physicians, and teaching groups of physicians how to document properly. 

3. Medical Communications

Generally, you’ll be working in marketing agencies that serve pharma and device companies. It’s a great role if you enjoy working in a conventional office with a regular schedule. Teamwork and communication skills are important. These ad agencies are found in most large cities in the U.S.

4. Consulting

Consulting is an excellent career choice for physicians without postgraduate training. Firms sometimes prefer doctors without experience. They can train them to their way of doing things, without the need to break old habits. Depending on the position, it may require significant amounts of travel. It can be very lucrative, though, with opportunities for advancement.

There are many companies to consider if you are interested. Here are some of the largest ones:

  • McKinsey and Co.
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • Deloitte
  • Bain and Co.
  • Huron Consulting Group

5. Medical Monitor

Doctors with experience in research or on pharmacy committees are suited to a career as a  medical monitor. Medical monitors support research studies and ensure that they are medically sound. They track adverse drug reactions. And they serve as liaisons between investigators and the Contract Research Organization or pharmaceutical company.

The job may involve some travel. However, it is usually less than consulting or medical science liaison (MSL) positions. There are hundreds of companies that employ medical monitors. Here are some of the biggest ones:

  • IQVIA
  • Parexel
  • Syneos Health
  • Covance
  • Icon
  • PRA Health Sciences
  • PPD
  • Medpace

6. Medical Science Liaison

An MSL is a good entry-level job in the pharmaceutical space. Ideal candidates must be familiar with the regulatory landscape. This career involves travel up to three out of five days each week. The MSL Society and MSL Institute are great resources. And the course Introduction to 6 Nonclinical Careers Any Physician Can Pursue will walk you through the process of finding your first MSL position.

Summary of No Residency Is No Problem

There are many jobs in the healthcare industry in which no residency is no problem. Since the original episode aired, additional jobs have been presented on the podcast. In Pharma, there are jobs beyond MSL and medical monitor positions, such as clinical scientist, clinical research associate, or technical medical writer for a CRO.  In Episode 209, Dr. Marsha Caton described the tactics for landing those jobs. And there will be more on that subject in Episode 214 with Dr. Laura McKain.

NOTE: Look below for a transcript of today’s episode.

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