Doctor, do this to quickly learn to communicate and think like people in other industries.

Embarking on a journey from clinical medicine to a career outside of it presents a unique set of challenges and learning curves. In a recent webinar with doctors contemplating moving away from a clinical career shed light on the complexities of this transition, highlighting the critical differences in communication styles, expectations, and professional cultures between the medical field and the business world.

One of the first hurdles to overcome is recognizing what needs to be learned as well as what needs to be unlearned. One example: in clinical practice, success often hinges on one’s ability to navigate ambiguity and manage uncertainty. We are trained to consider multiple outcomes, to think in terms of probabilities rather than absolutes. However, this mindset can clash with the expectations in many non-clinical environments, particularly in business, where decisiveness and straightforward answers are prized. One colleague in the webinar, Hrvoje, who has a hugely successful non-clinical career, pointed out that while clinicians are adept at dealing with the nuances and complexities of medical situations, this approach can lead to miscommunications and unmet expectations in a business context. Businesses, unlike medicine, operate on a different set of principles and do not always appreciate the intricacies of medical reasoning.

The transition, therefore, is not just about acquiring new hard skills but also about mastering a new way of communicating. Understanding how other professionals structure their thinking, what matters to them, and how to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner is crucial. It’s about learning to provide the clarity and certainty that business environments often demand, which is a significant shift from the medical practice’s comfort with uncertainty.

So how do you figure out quickly what the subtle differences in mindset, communication, and way of structuring thoughts are?

To navigate this shift effectively, I’ve found it invaluable to adopt an anthropological mindset. Just as an anthropologist immerses themselves in a new culture to understand its norms and values, clinicians moving into new fields must do the same. This approach is not just about listening but about observing — paying attention not only to what is said but how, when, and, importantly, what remains unsaid. It’s about actively seeking out the “signs” of how to communicate and operate within this new environment.

This idea reminds me of my experiences in driving school, where I initially struggled to notice traffic signs until my instructor told me “You can’t expect them to jump into your eyes, instead you need to actively search for them at all times”. Once I adopted this proactive approach, I never missed a sign again. Similarly, when entering a new professional culture, whether it’s national, corporate, or sector-specific, I actively look for cues on how to integrate and communicate and that makes all the difference.

By spending time with professionals from the target field and observing them like an anthropologist, we can begin to understand the unspoken rules and expectations that govern their world. This approach allows for a smoother transition and a better understanding of how to be successful outside of clinical medicine.

The journey from clinician to a professional in a new field is undoubtedly challenging, requiring us to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Yet, it is also an opportunity for growth and expansion beyond the confines of clinical practice. By embracing the differences, actively seeking understanding, and adapting our communication styles, we can navigate this transition successfully.

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All the best,

Sven