Career change tips : desperately need help!!

I am a doctor of podiatric medicine (foot doctor). I never liked Podiatry - still do not. I have only 4mths of residency training. I cannot stand the profession any more (the smell of feet, clipping toe nails, dealing smelly ulcers / maggots, surgery is boring.) I initially went into Podiatry because it was supposed to be a dual degree - MD / DPM. I really wanted the MD degree not the DPM. I thought it was a godsend because I could not get into regular MD medical school. It turned out to be a hoax and I was stuck with podiatry and $180,000.00 of Medical school debt. I had thought I would get used to podiatry and like it, so I had continued with the DPM program.

I have left the residency program and want to change career to healthcare admin or anything except podiatry. Most healthcare office / pharmaceutical jobs I looked into want 4-years experience. I have BS degree in medical lab science but no work experience.

How I can I get a job I like that will pay well, to allow me pay my school loans and not starve ( I have a family) in the healthcare (health insurance companies, pharmaceutical, biotech, hospital)? Is it possible to get a job though I am a podiatrist, outside of the podiatry clinic setting? Are my skills as a doctor transferable?

Please help ASAP. I was so depressed in podiatry my blood pressure actually went up. I am fine now.

Anthony

Hmm. That's not good. I know you speak about a "hoax" and I don't know the details, but you need to take ownership of this situation. It is a big debt. And you have put a lot of time into this. You will have to search within yourself as to whether you can practice in your field.

I don't have an answer for you. But here are some thoughts:

The last thing you can afford right now is more school and not working. So, whatever the next step is, I assume it means earning a living.
What about Lab companies? Is there a role in those kinds of businesses that might make sense?
Certainly, research the HC Admin / Management side, but do it in person. Get meetings. Present yourself. Talk to people. Figure out if you have a shot and take the feedback very seriously.
Some medical professionals are really business people. Is Podiatry a field where you could set-up a clinic of some form, hire people, and scale back your personal practice...in which case, you could apply yourself with this goal in mind
What about a company manufacturing / selling products to the Podiatry market? Maybe there is a place in sales, or some other entry level role where you could sell your knowledge, but start down a new career path.

Like I said, no answer for you. Some ideas and avenues perhaps to follow. The overall message though is to get out there. This problem isn't going to be solved just at your computer. You need to sell yourself. And make something from this.

Ian Christie
Career Changers Coach

Career Tips

desperately need help!!