This week, we explore what happens when your specialty no longer feels like the right fit. My guest, Dr. Edio Zampaglione, began as an OB-GYN but found the corporate shift in medicine limiting. He shares his transition from private practice to a thriving career in medical affairs, including how he entered pharma without prior industry experience. We discuss key moments that led him to leave patient care and what a medical affairs career entails. If you're considering nonclinical options, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode219

• What to do when your chosen specialty no longer feels right.
• The challenges of private practice and the shift toward a corporate model.
• How to break into the pharmaceutical industry without prior experience.
• The day-to-day responsibilities of a medical affairs physician.
• Steps to explore opportunities in pharma, including networking and working with recruiters.
• Insights into compensation, career growth, and job satisfaction in medical affairs.

LinkedIn for Physicians Course

This fun course shows you how to create a stand-out profile on LinkedIn and use the powerful features to advance your career goals. The short video lessons guide you step-by-step on how to grow your connections, network successfully, and search for and apply to jobs. Included are cheat sheets for each lesson, examples of physician profiles, and a bonus PDF on how to rock your informational interviews.

Pharma Insider's Guide - Get an overview of the different areas for physicians in pharma as well as tips to start building your platform to make a transition.

Pharma Podcast Episode List - Curious if a career in pharma is right for you? We’ve made it easy to explore! Download our free list of all Doctor’s Crossing Podcast episodes related to pharma and gain valuable insights from physicians who have successfully made the transition. Learn about different roles, salary expectations, required skills, and how to get started—so you can decide if pharma is the right path for you.

If your medical career is putting a strain on your relationship, you’re not alone. Long hours, endless charting, and the emotional toll of medicine can create disconnection and tension at home. Whether your partner feels neglected, you're struggling with financial disparities, or you're facing difficult conversations, these challenges can feel overwhelming. Today we are joined by Sydney Ashland, a highly respected relationship and transformation coach with over 25 years of experience working with physicians. In this episode, we explore real-life scenarios—Dear Abby style—to address the struggles many physician couples face and how to strengthen communication, navigate career shifts, and build a more connected, fulfilling relationship.

• The impact of long work hours and career stress on relationships.
• How financial dynamics can shift power and create tension.
• Strategies for improving communication and reconnecting with your partner.
• Navigating career transitions while maintaining a strong relationship.
• Practical steps to break unhealthy cycles and foster emotional connection.
• Advice for single physicians seeking meaningful relationships (preview of Episode 220).

ihttps://sydneyashland.com/

https://sydneyashland.com/physician-business-coaching-and-consulting/

https://www.amyporterfield.com/2025/01/748/

https://kevinmd.com/2018/01/top-10-lies-doctors-tell.html

https://doctorscrossing.com/19/

Books:

Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently With Stress. By John Gray (also available in audio CD).

The Seven Principles for Making A Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert. By John Gottman.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

Attached – The New Science of Attachment – How it Can Help You Find And Keep Love. By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller.

Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirse

Today, we explore what happens when you follow your own path—even if it means leaving medicine. My guest, Dr. Maanas Samant, is now the CMIO of a healthcare and fintech company, but his journey into medicine began as a way to please his family. Growing up in a family of physicians, it was the expected path—yet his real passion was always tech.

In this episode, we talk about the question that changed everything, his pivot from internship to consulting at Accenture, the types of projects physicians work on, and what led him into the tech world. If you're considering a career change or craving something new, Dr. Samant’s story is full of insight and inspiration.

• Why Dr. Samant pursued medicine despite knowing his passion was in technology.
• The turning point that made him question whether he wanted to be a doctor.
• How he transitioned from medical training into consulting at Accenture.
• The types of projects physicians can work on in consulting.
• How to reframe your skills and present yourself for nonclinical roles.
• The benefits and challenges of working in healthcare consulting.
• Why networking and positioning yourself as a valuable asset are key to career transitions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdsamant

www.ionixxtech.com

LinkedIn for Physicians Course - Would you rather clean out your garage or attic than “put yourself out there” and network? No worries! My LinkedIn course is geared to make networking doable and fun. I will show you how to connect with people who can be helpful for your career, what to put in your messages, and how to apply strategically for the job you really want. You can learn more about this course and get a sneak peek inside right HERE.

Welcome to Episode 216 of the Doctor’s Crossing Carpe Diem podcast! Today, we’re tackling a major concern for physicians considering career changes—finances. Whether you’re stepping away from clinical work, reducing shifts, or exploring entrepreneurship, financial uncertainty can be daunting.

Joining us is Dr. Jim Dahle, emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor, a top financial education platform for doctors. He shares key strategies for financial independence, career transitions, and smart money decisions. Dr. Dahle also reflects on a life-altering climbing accident that shaped his perspective on financial planning and risk-taking.

• Why financial freedom is key to making career transitions with confidence.
• The importance of early financial planning and getting your “financial ducks in a row.”
• How to determine how much money you need to retire.
• Ways to balance career changes with financial stability.
• The emotional side of financial decision-making and overcoming limiting beliefs.
• Tips for discussing financial changes with a spouse or partner.

www.whitecoatinvestor.com

Episode #196 What Do Nonclinical Jobs Actually Pay?

Hero’s Of My Life Part 1 - Dr. Jim Dahle’s story of his fall on the Grand Tetons

Heros Of My Life Part 2

Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

At 60, Dr. Lynette Charity was fired from her job—an event that could have been devastating but instead became the catalyst for reinvention. In this episode, Dr. Charity shares her journey from growing up in the segregated South to becoming an anesthesiologist, speaker, and comedian. She discusses overcoming adversity, shifting from self-doubt to empowerment, and finding new purpose beyond clinical medicine. Drawing from her book, Escape Plan, she offers insights on resilience, career transitions, and embracing new opportunities at any stage of life. If you’re facing change or seeking inspiration, this episode is for you!

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode215

In this episode we’re talking about:

• How Dr. Charity overcame adversity growing up in the segregated South.

• The pivotal moment that led to her decision to become a doctor at age nine.

• How being fired at 60 became a turning point instead of a setback.

• Strategies for shifting your mindset from self-doubt to empowerment.

• How she transitioned into speaking, comedy, and writing after medicine.

• The importance of mentorship, community, and asking for help.

Website: DrCharitySpeaks.com

Website: lynettecharitycomedy.com

Instagram: @keynotecharity

Book: Escape Plan

From FIRED to Public Speaker – An Anesthesiologist’s Story: https://doctorscrossing.com/from-fired-to-public-speaker-an-anesthesiologists-story/

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, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

Physician Transition Starter Kit - A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

Thank you for listening!

On today’s episode, we’re exploring the transformative world of direct care models with the inspiring Dr. Maryal Concepcion. Dr. Concepcion is a family medicine physician, founder of Big Trees MD in rural Northern California, and host of the My DPC Story podcast. We discuss the direct primary care (DPC) and direct specialty care (DSC) models that allow physicians to practice on their terms while fostering deeper patient relationships. Dr. Concepcion shares her journey from fee-for-service medicine to creating a thriving DPC practice, the freedom and flexibility these models offer, and how they empower both physicians and patients. Whether you’re a primary care provider or a specialist, this conversation will open your eyes to new possibilities in medical practice.

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode214

In this episode we’re talking about:

• What direct primary care and direct specialty care models are and how they differ from traditional practice.
• The autonomy and flexibility direct care models offer physicians.
• How DPC allows for smaller patient panels and stronger doctor-patient relationships.
• Strategies for starting a direct care practice, including financial considerations.
• The importance of building transparent, patient-focused healthcare systems.
• Leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance patient engagement in direct care practices.
• Insights on pricing strategies and communicating value to patients in a cash-based system.

Links for this episode:

Dr. Concepcion’s Links:

https://mydpcstory.com

https://maryal.me

https://bigtreesmd.co

https://thedpcdirectory.com

Dr. Concepcion’s Book Recommendations:

"Spark Start Fires" by Dr. Julie Gunther

"The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Clinic" by Dr. Douglas Farrago

"Byja Blueprint" by Dr. Byron Jasper

Episode 98 Take Back Control With A Direct Primary Care Practice

- Featuring a married couple who share a DPC practice and love their freedom and lifestyle.

Episode 150 - Are You Paralyzed By The Siz of Your Goal? Start with a Lemonade Stand. Featuring how a physician started a DPC practice on a shoe-string budget with no prior business experience.

Private 1:1 Consultations - If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, Dr. Heather Fork offers one-hour paid Zoom consultations. This one-hour coaching session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some concrete steps for moving forward. Dr. Fork also has a 5-month coaching program for those physicians wanting additional assistance (subject to availability). For more information including pricing please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrosing.com.

Today we’re tackling the topic of high-stakes exams and board certification—a challenge that many physicians face. Struggling with these exams can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, test-taking anxiety, and even impact career opportunities. To lend their guidance and expertise, I’m joined by two wonderful guests, Dr. Rob Steele and Dr. Charles Bell, founders of Physician Test Prep Professionals. With decades of experience in physician assessment and remediation, they bring a wealth of knowledge to this important topic. In this episode, we discuss actionable strategies for exam preparation, managing anxiety, addressing knowledge gaps, and achieving success on high-stakes exams.

• Common missteps physicians make when preparing for board exams.
• Why creating a structured study plan is essential for success.
• Techniques for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps.
• The benefits of focusing on question-and-answer study formats.
• Strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence on test day.
• Tips for balancing study time with clinical responsibilities and personal life.
• Recognizing and avoiding burnout during intense study phases.

Physician Test Prep Professionals

Email address: md.test.prep.ceb@gmail.com

Text messages can be sent to: 512.442.6195

⏰Time Management Resource - Download a list of books and apps that can help you with time management, procrastination, building successful habits and finding ways to focus.