Overcoming Your Roadblocks: A Physician's Guide to Navigating Change

Not too many years ago, most physicians in the private sector expected to settle into a medical practice straight out of training and to stay put until retirement decades into the future. The idea of moving, changing practices in the same town, or leaving before a ripe old age was almost unheard of. While change has often been part of the career path of academicians, physicians in all sectors are increasingly finding themselves dissatisfied, frustrated, or simply seeking something new.

In fact, a recent Mayo clinic survey reported that one in five physicians plan to leave their practices within the next two years, and one in three expect to reduce work hours. Burnout and perceived lack of appreciation by their organizations were the two primary issues cited in the study.

If you’re considering a move, this change can feel daunting. Physicians are often motivated by loyalty and compassion. But we are also creatures of habit.

For many of us, the roadmap was clearly defined: college, medical school, residency, maybe fellowship. As long as you followed this straight and narrow path, and nothing unexpected knocked you off course, you would make it down the road.

The promise at the end of the trail was a satisfying and gratifying professional life, with a high probability of a happy and fulfilling home life as well.   

Over the past decade, that promise has frayed. Burnout due to lack of autonomy, higher patient demands, a sicker and older population, falling reimbursements, the endless clicks and messages on the EHR: all have contributed. This new perspective means that physicians are more likely to seek change, or at least to consider it.

But the decision to embark on a new professional journey can often feel like traversing uncharted territory.

And the process of choosing a new path can be riddled with mental roadblocks. As a physician coach, I have found that guiding individuals through these challenges can be transformative, bringing new and unexpected possibilities to light.

Getting started can be the hardest part of the process, but once you begin, you’ll notice that the momentum will slowly build. In this article, we will explore actionable steps that can help you to overcome some of the mental barriers that may stand in your way.

1. Self-Reflection

Before embarking on a new professional path, it's essential to engage in deep self-reflection. Journaling for a few minutes every day can really help.

You don’t have to have a clear endpoint in mind to get started, but you do need to know what matters to you, and why. Consider the specific skills, interests, and passions you want to prioritize, and how you want your personal life to look. Take time to identify your values, strengths, passions, and personal goals.

Ask yourself:

• What are my core values and priorities in life?

• What aspects of my current role do I find most fulfilling and unfulfilling?

• What are my unique skills and talents?

• What are my long-term career and life aspirations?

By understanding yourself on this deeper level, you can better align your career choices with your values and objectives. For more prompts and tips to help you with this process, see my recent article about finding your “why”.

  2. Recognize Your Triggers and Limiting Beliefs:

As you work through self-reflection, you might encounter triggers and limiting beliefs that hold you back. If so, don’t be afraid to ask yourself probing questions such as:

• What specific thoughts or patterns arise when considering a new direction?

• Have you or someone else created any self-defeating narratives about your capabilities or limitations that might be influencing your mindset?

• What might these limiting beliefs be trying to protect you from?

• And how might they be proven wrong?

• If there are meaningful limitations that are keeping you from moving forward, how might you close gaps in your knowledge or skills?

When you pinpoint these mental roadblocks, you’ll take the first step towards disarming their power. Often a coach can be helpful when working through this process.

 3. Seek Guidance

Don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, career counselors, and trusted colleagues who have gone through similar transitions.

There can be great value in networking and connecting with others who have found fulfillment in their medical practice or who have ventured into alternative career paths. Their insights and experiences can provide valuable perspectives and inspire you to take bold steps in your own professional journey. Of course, you will want to be discerning about who you confide in, especially if you are leaving your current practice.

 4. Set Achievable Goals

Break your career change into smaller, manageable goals. This not only makes the process less intimidating but also allows you to track your progress. Create a timeline with milestones. These might include

• Gaining specific qualifications or licensure

• Attending relevant conferences,

• Researching places you might want to live

• Reaching out to potential employers or colleagues in your desired field.

Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can provide you with a clear roadmap and motivate you to move forward despite any mental hurdles.

 5. Embrace Setbacks as a Learning Opportunity

Rejection can sting. It's important to acknowledge that setbacks are part of any professional journey. Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as valuable learning experiences.

Approach unexpected challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. Be flexible and willing to pivot, if necessary, but don’t lose sight of your values and your “why”. The key is to use these uncomfortable experiences as opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine your approach.

 6. Get Comfortable with the Unknown

Fear of the unknown is a common mental roadblock for anyone making a career change. This may be especially true for physicians, since so much of our life has been neatly defined for us. Counteract this fear by engaging in thorough research into your desired path.

If you’re looking into a nonclinical job, understand the industry, its trends, and the challenges you might face.

And if you’re changing focus or practice, get to know more about the system, individuals, and culture you may be working with. Will you need new skills or certifications? If so, how and when can you achieve them? This knowledge will help you feel more prepared and confident as you take the leap.

 7. Keep an Open Mind

Maintaining an open mind is crucial during a career transition. Your initial path may evolve as you gain more insights and experiences. Embracing change and adaptation opens the door to broader opportunities. There may be something you may not have considered, but which may turn out to be a perfect fit.

Conclusion

Choosing a new professional path as a physician takes courage, contemplation, and perseverance. Know that you almost surely will need to step outside of your comfort zone to get somewhere new and more fulfilling.

By facing your roadblocks head on, you will build the skills and resilience you need to embark on this new journey. Remember that your background as a physician has equipped you with valuable skills, fortitude, and experience that are needed both in clinical medicine and in a wide range of connected fields.

Embrace the opportunities that arise, trust in yourself, and move forward towards a more fulfilling professional future that aligns with your values and your strengths.