Episode #92: How to Decide If Leaving Residency Is Right For You

One of the biggest questions early-career physicians can grapple with when considering a nonclinical career is whether or not to finish residency. This is a big decision with many factors to consider, and the right answer is not the same for everyone. My guest today, Dr. Chelsea Turgeon, made the difficult decision to leave her OB/GYN residency after realizing clinical medicine was not the best career path for her. She’s here to discuss how she made this tough choice, what she’s doing now (and where she’s doing it!), and steps you can take to decide if it’s best for you to stay or leave residency.  You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here: www.doctorscrossing.com/92 In this episode we’re talking about: Why a career in clinical medicine didn’t match Dr. Turgeon’s expectations Chelsea’s process for deciding whether she should leave residency How revisiting why you chose medicine can help you move forward Coping with thoughts of guilt surrounding leaving residency Why residency is not the only path to a successful career as a physician Dr. Turgeon’s new career path and lifestyle Steps you can take to process your residency doubts  Links for this episode: Dr. Chelsea Turgeon’s Website Life After Medicine Facebook Group  5 Steps to Career Clarity Mini Course Should I quit residency? - A very help site that walks you through the process of answering this question for yourself using a powerful flowchart and question prompts.  Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

Om Podcasten

Are you a physician who’s questioning your career path? If you’re at the white coat crossroads, for whatever reason, this podcast is for you. We’re going to help you find your best path forward, whether it’s to be happier in patient care, transition to a nonclinical career, or do something completely different. In the weekly podcasts, we’re bringing you all the good stuff: -Actionable tools and resources to help you start making positive changes. -Interviews with physicians who’ve found new and fulfilling ways to practice as well as those who’ve transitioned into nonclinical careers. -Concrete advice for applying to jobs, using LinkedIn, interviewing, negotiating, and much more. Your host, Dr. Heather Fork, is a former board-certified dermatologist who transitioned into full-time career coaching for physicians over 10 years ago. She is a master certified coach who has been helping hundreds of physicians find ways to be happier both in medicine and beyond. Come visit us at www.doctorscrossing.com to learn more!