Our Favorite Job Opportunities For Non-Clinical Physicians

Non-clinical physician jobs offer several opportunities, allowing doctors to use their medical experiences in unconventional yet equally rewarding ways.

Think of jobs like consulting, lecturing, and medical writing. These roles are outside clinical medicine but require such expertise.

In this article, we will review several opportunities like this as well as steps on how you can find some of the best ones.

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Overview of the Jobs

Job Title	What It Involves
Medical Writing	Writing and editing scientific and medical content.
Medical Consulting	Providing expert healthcare advice to organizations.
Medical Education	Developing curricula and training future healthcare professionals.
Pharmaceutical Industry	Working in drug safety, research, or as a liaison in the pharmaceutical sector.
Healthcare Administration	Managing healthcare facilities and implementing policies.
Public Health	Promoting community health and policy development.
Clinical Informatics	Managing healthcare data for better patient care.
Medical Technology	Developing or selling medical devices and technologies.
Medical Journalism	Reporting health-related news and writing health articles.
Medical Translators and Interpreters	Translating healthcare information for patients and professionals.

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Non Clinical Physician Job Opportunities

Having a medical degree opens up several career opportunities beyond traditional clinical roles. Here are some of the best options for you:

Medical Writing

Are you good with words? Medical writers create content for various purposes, such as scientific papers, research reports, regulatory documents, medical education materials, and healthcare marketing materials.

Pay	Job Description
~$99,291 per year	Research, write, and edit clinical documents, such as trial protocols, research papers, etc. Collaborate with researchers to gather, interpret, and present complex medical data in clear and concise language. Maintain high-quality documentation standards. Review and revise content for medical accuracy.

Medical Consulting

Consultants with a medical background can provide expert advice on medical and healthcare-related matters to healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, or legal firms.

Pay	Job Description
~$150,000 per year	Provide expert guidance to healthcare organizations. Analyze medical data and healthcare processes to identify potential areas for policy development, performance improvement, etc. Develop and maintain relationships with medical staff and management. Conduct comprehensive healthcare system evaluations.

Medical Education

Medical educators work in academic institutions, developing and delivering medical curricula, conducting research, and training future medical professionals.

Pay	Job Description
~$100,000 per year	Design, develop, and deliver educational materials and programs for healthcare professionals, students, and/or patients in clinical and classroom settings. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions. Stay current with medical research and advancements. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that educational content meets all standards

Pharmaceutical Industry

Medical professionals can work in the pharmaceutical industry in roles such as medical affairs, drug safety, medical science liaison, or clinical research.

Pay

Job Description

~$130,000 per year

Dispense prescription medications to patients and provide expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. Review medication orders and patient medical histories to check for drug interactions, contraindications, and proper dosing. Counsel patients on medication usage, side effects, and lifestyle adjustments that can improve treatment outcomes. Manage inventory, oversee pharmacy staff, and ensure compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations governing pharmacy practice.

Healthcare Administration

Medical degree holders can take up administrative roles in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or health systems, overseeing operations, managing budgets, and implementing policies.

Pay

Job Description

~$120,000 per year

Oversee the daily operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring efficient delivery of medical services and compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. Develop and implement policies and procedures to optimize patient care and facility performance. Manage the facility’s financial aspects, including budgeting, billing, and setting financial goals. Coordinate with medical staff and department heads to facilitate communication, strategic planning, and resource allocation.

Public Health

Working in public health involves promoting community health and wellness, disease prevention, health policy development, and epidemiological research.

Pay

Job Description

~$70,000 per year

Implement public health programs and initiatives to improve community health outcomes and prevent disease. Conduct research and analyze data to address public health issues and support policy development. Engage with communities to educate and promote healthful behaviors and wellness practices. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate services and respond to public health emergencies.

Clinical Informatics

Clinical informaticians focus on managing and analyzing healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and optimize healthcare processes.

Pay

Job Description

~$100,000 per year

Develop and manage electronic health records (EHR) systems to ensure accurate and secure patient data storage. Analyze healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, streamline care processes, and inform decision-making. Train healthcare staff on new technology systems and ensure compliance with health information privacy regulations. Collaborate with IT professionals and clinical staff to enhance health information systems and support quality improvement initiatives.

Medical Technology

Professionals with a medical background can work in the development, sales, or marketing of medical devices and healthcare technologies.

Pay

Job Description

$70,000 per year

Perform complex laboratory tests and procedures to provide crucial data for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. Maintain and calibrate sophisticated laboratory equipment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Analyze samples of blood, tissue, and body fluids following standardized laboratory practices and quality control measures. Collaborate with healthcare providers to communicate lab findings and contribute to patient care planning.

Medical Journalism

If you love media, Medical Journalists cover health-related news, write health articles, and report on medical research for various media outlets.

Pay

Job Description

~$100,000 per year

Research and report on medical news, trends, and developments for various media outlets, including print, digital, and broadcast. Translate complex medical terminology and data into understandable content for a general audience. Interview healthcare professionals and patients to provide a balanced perspective on medical stories. Stay updated on the latest medical research, drug approvals, and policy changes to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

Medical Translators and Interpreters

Being fluent in multiple languages, medical professionals can work as translators or interpreters in healthcare settings or for medical publications.

Pay

Job Description

~$80,000 per year

Translate medical documents, such as clinical studies, medical procedures, and pharmaceutical information, ensuring precise terminology and adherence to relevant laws and ethics. Maintain confidentiality and cultural sensitivity while converting patient materials, consent forms, and other healthcare-related documentation. Collaborate with healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication between medical staff and non-English-speaking patients. Continuously update language skills and medical knowledge to stay current with industry terms and practices.

Wondering about the Future of Healthcare? Read this: Experts Weigh in on the Future of Healthcare in the Next 30 Years

Finding Non-Clinical Physician Jobs

Finding a job outside of a clinical setting requires proactive effort and networking. Here are some steps you can take to find the best jobs:

Self-Assessment

Identify your interests, skills, and strengths beyond clinical practice. Consider what aspects of medicine or healthcare you enjoy the most and what other areas you would like to explore.

You can do this using tools such as Gallup’s CliftonStrengths or meeting with a trusted friend to gain valuable insight into what makes you stand out from other doctors.

Research Non-Clinical Roles

Learn about the different non-clinical career paths available to medical professionals. Look into industries like medical writing, research, healthcare administration, medical education, pharmaceuticals, health policy, medical technology, and more.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with non-clinical roles. Emphasize transferable skills, such as communication, research, leadership, and project management.

Network

In any profession, it’s often who you know that will open doors, and the medical community is no different in that respect.

Connect with professionals in non-clinical jobs through conferences, workshops, online forums, and social media platforms. Attend events that cater to your areas of interest and connect with individuals working in those fields.

Apply to Fellowships and Internships

Some organizations offer fellowships or internships for doctors interested in exploring non-clinical roles. These opportunities can provide valuable experience and connections.

Volunteer or Work Part-Time

Consider volunteering or working part-time in non-clinical settings to gain exposure to different roles and industries. This can also help build your network and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Stay Open-Minded

Be open to different possibilities and be willing to take on new challenges. Non-clinical roles can be diverse and may require creativity in applying your medical expertise.

Final Thoughts

Non-clinical physician jobs offer rewarding opportunities for doctors looking for alternative career paths. They allow physicians to leverage their medical expertise in innovative and impactful ways while earning good pay for their time.

From medical writing to healthcare administration, medical technology, and beyond, the possibilities are vast and diverse.

We’ll be your trusted guide as you venture into uncharted territories within the healthcare industry. If you need further guidance on finding a good fit for a non-clinical physician job, please contact us—we can help!