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Executive Summary Non-Clinical Careers for Physicians
SEAK's 9th Annual 2012 Non-Clinical Careers for Physicians Conference will be held October 20-21, 2012 in Chicago at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare. This full service "fly in fly out" property is easily accessible to Chicago's O'Hare airport and provides complimentary 24 hour shuttle service to and from O'Hare Airport, www.crowneplazaohare.com
SEAK has been working with physicians for over 30-years and have heard from hundreds of physicians who are simply no longer truly happy working in clinical medicine. We have specifically developed this conference for physicians who want to see the types of non-clinical opportunities that are out there, and for those that are considering changing to a non-clinical career.
Physicians who have made the transition do so in large part for their families and lifestyle. In their new positions they can spend more time with their spouse and children and can schedule vacations, trips and family time without the fear of constant interruption. They no longer have to constantly leave the dinner table disappointing their families.
In the past, one of the barriers for physicians leaving practice was the answer to the question, "How will I replace my income from practicing medicine?" The new question which is now being asked by physicians is, "How much money am I losing by not leaving and going into business?"
Physicians are highly intelligent and educated, dedicated, and hard working and are learning that they can use these assets in the business world.
This year's program is greatly expanded and features an outstanding faculty which includes physicians from major industries who will provide attendees with critical insight into what high paying jobs are available to physicians and information on how to locate and land these positions.
There will be ample time to network with colleagues and faculty. Over six hours of networking opportunities have been built into the program with our breakfasts, luncheons, breaks and networking reception. This year's program features afternoon breakout sessions so that attendees can customize their learning experience to meet their particular interests regarding career transition skills and particular industries.
The Non-clinical careers course is designed for physicians who:
- Don't enjoy going to work anymore
- Are ready for new challenges
- Want to explore their options
- Are frustrated and dissatisfied with their current career
- Want to learn how to locate and land lucrative non-clinical positions
- Are in or near retirement and are looking for additional income/challenges
- Would like to eliminate the stress and time commitments of their current career and spend more time with their families
- Are looking to jump start their career transition
- Are deciding whether to change careers
- Need a jumping off point on their career transition
Benefits of SEAK's Non-Clinical Careers Conference:
- See with your own eyes that switching to a non-clinical career has more financial potential than clinical medicine and is in fact a step forward, not a step backwards.
- Learn from numerous doctors who have successfully made the switch how it is done.
- Become empowered by knowing you are not alone in your desire for change and that desire is nothing to be ashamed of.
- Network with faculty and fellow attendees.
- Get inside information on the types of doctors various industries are looking for.
- Get your process of career change moving into high gear.
- Form a customized action plan for your career transition.
RECRUITERS
To enhance your conference experience this year we have added recruiters looking for physicians to fill non-clinical positions. Attendees will be able to network with and talk to the recruiters one-on-one about open positions, the marketplace, compensation packages and positions they would like to be considered for in the future.
MENTORS
You will find our faculty very giving of their time and very willing to answer individual questions after their talks, at the networking functions and when not presenting. To increase your networking experience and increase one-on-one attention, we have also assembled a team of mentors to be available to talk with the attendees (at no additional charge).
Here's what past attendees say about SEAK's Non-Clinical Careers Program:
"I had debated whether or not to go to the conference as I was not at the stage where I felt ready to make the drastic step of leaving clinical medicine...and I am definitely glad that I went. I am still in the same practice but no longer feel trapped. I now am there by choice, and know that I have other options. My attitude has become more optimistic. At the same time, I have gained the knowledge or "tools" to form a plan for the future. I was surprised to see so many physicians from all specialties, all walks of life, and all areas of the country. The speakers were excellent and it was truly a unique conference and experience. Thanks again."
"Thank you again for the outstanding SEAK 2007 course. The opportunity to meet so many other physicians who are either contemplating or have successfully managed a shift to a non-clinical career was tremendous. By articulating the emotional and practical obstacles to a career shift and offering practical advice as well as specific information on numerous non-clinical areas, the speakers provided a tremendous "kick-start". Their availability for one-on-one discussion was a unique opportunity. An excellent course, well worth the time and money."
"Since I attended your SEAK seminar over one year ago in Chicago, I have started a new independent venture with a colleague. We have formed an LLC called Problem Solving Innovations. We are designing medical products that are targeted to provide simple solutions to common problems in medical practice. Our enthusiasm was driven largely by your conference and the program, "What's the Big Idea?" We have already obtained 4 US patents and have been working with a plastics manufacturing company in our hometown. We should have the first version of the stereolithographs for our initial product by Monday next week. We then plan to meet with particular medical companies interested in the market space for our product and sell it to them. Very exciting stuff. I am hopeful that success will come soon, and I can phase out of the medical profession (at least as a clinical service provider - the profession is damned I fear)." Best Regards, Anthony
"Prior to the conference, I felt trapped in a maze with no exit. Your conference opened a world of opportunity, possibilities, and an exit. Now it is up to each attendee to empower him/herself to walk out into the light."
"I found the conference great. It helped convert a vague feeling that there was something more I wanted to do with my life into plans. Then I learned how to put those plans into action. In addition I discovered I was not the only one who was frustrated by the state of medicine and that it was not a cop out to want more out of life. Keep up the good work."
"I'm not certain when I first heard about a conference for clinicians seeking non-clinical careers, just that I had a vague awareness of one. When I received a brochure in the mail describing this Cape Cod gathering, I signed up immediately. My expectations were certainly surpassed, especially the "pre-conference" on negotiating. That was exceptionally informative, even wildly entertaining. My experience there helped me focus on my current practice of just gyn after 25 years of obstetrics and gynecology. While my current workload is much less strenuous, I think that I simply survived to this point. I wish that I had attended years ago. I may have found a more rewarding job better suited to my attributes. Enduring a job is not the way to go. This conference readily demonstrates that and gives concrete advice on how to change your life."
"The conference was helpful to me in the following ways:
- It described specific non-clinical careers accessible to physicians and the steps needed to enter these fields.
- The presenters and your staff were very encouraging and motivating by showing that a career change is possible and only requires motivation and a proper plan.
- I met other physicians with similar concerns regarding clinical medicine and left feeling less trapped in my current career.
- I learned the value to the business world of skills I already have and how to market them.
- I would strongly recommend this conference"
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What will I learn?
A. You can expect an exceptional learning experience. Among other things you will learn:
● The numerous non-clinical opportunities available for physicians
● How to find and land a non-clinical job
● How much they pay to start and what your long-term earning potential will be
● How to decide whether or not you should go back for an advanced degree
● What non-clinical jobs consist of on a day to day basis and how it will positively effect your lifestyle
● That you are far from alone in looking for new challenges
● That in most cases you are actually losing money by staying in clinical medicine
● How to plan and implement your career transition
● How exactly other physicians have successfully made the switch.
Q. Do other physicians feel the same way as me?
A. Yes. Hundreds of your colleagues have attended our training programs. You are far from alone.
Q. What is the age of your typical attendee?
A. It runs the full range. Each year we have residents and physicians in their 60s.
Q. I'm "just" a primary care physician, didn't go to an Ivy League College and don't have an MBA. What's out there for me?
A. A lot. One of the main things you will learn is how to not sell yourself short and how to leverage the tremendous skills you have.
Q. How long has SEAK been running this course?
A. This is the 8th Annual Conference.
Q. Can you tell me more about SEAK, Inc.?
A. SEAK, Inc.(www.seak.com), founded in 1980, is an ACCME accredited continuing education and publishing firm. We have trained thousands of physicians across the United States and are the creators of the annual Medical Fiction Writing For Physicians Seminar featuring NY Times bestselling physician-authors Michael Palmer and Tess Gerritsen. We pride ourselves on the quality of our educational programs and encourage attendees to talk to other physicians who have taken SEAK courses in the past.
Q. Do I need to be actively looking for a job to attend or benefit from this course?
A. No. Many of the attendees at the conference are not actively looking for jobs, rather they just want to see the breadth of opportunities are available to them.
Q. Will this course help me get started?
A. Yes. Attendance is the first step to getting started. Don't put it off.
Q. Will I get a chance to meet and talk the faculty?
A. Yes. You will find our faculty very giving of their time.
Q. Will I be able to ask questions?
A. Yes. There will be substantial time reserved for questions and answers.
Q. I am concerned about confidentiality, do you keep my name confidential?
A. We are aware of many attendees' concerns in this area. We only provide an optional opt-in attendance list to our attendees.
Q. When do I have to decide which breakout session I want to attend?
A. The day of the conference.
Q. Is this course offered in different locations or at different times of the year?
A. No, this conference is only offered once per year.
Q. When is the cutoff date for registration?
A. While there is no formal cutoff date for registration, early registration is highly recommended. We have a very liberal cancellation policy if you are subsequently forced to cancel your registration.
Q. Will I be able to purchase audio or video recordings of the conference?
A. No. SEAK prohibits the use of audio or video recordings of the conference (Exception: prior approval will be given for attendees with disabilities).