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I have been in private practice as a gastroenterologist for 18 years. Many of us in gastroenterology and related fields have wondered how to navigate toward the next step in our careers. There are resources available to further our knowledge, add new skills, and fine tune personal talents to help position us for that next step.
Questions to ask at this stage are: What do I really want to do? Where do I see myself in 5-10 years? How do I go about achieving my target?
We come from different backgrounds including, broadly, academic clinical, academic research, basic science, clinical practice, and education. The next stage of these career paths can vary, and that should be kept in mind while choosing courses/programs. I reached out to two well-known gastroenterologists who have successfully changed their career paths after starting with different backgrounds.
Ronald Vender, MD, professor of medicine, associate dean of clinical affairs, chief medical officer, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Vender began in private practice gastroenterology after fellowship. His own trajectory has been one of “evolution” and has grown to the above titles through “incremental opportunity.” While reflecting on his career, Dr. Vender felt three main attributes were responsible: involvement in medical/GI societies, involvement in non-GI organizations, and engagement of needs for improvement at the hospital of practice. Opportunities became available by speaking up, raising issues, and demanding improvements. Dr. Vender’s involvement in both the private practice sector and hospital administration made his transition to hospital administration possible. This change was based on a “change in [him] and change in what [he] wanted to do.” His advice for all is to learn to say “yes” often in your early career and recognize when to say “no” later in your career.
John Allen, MD, MBA, clinical professor of medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Dr. Allen started his career in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and during this time, he was exposed to research activities and learned research skills. His initial interest was in health care delivery, but this eventually changed to private practice gastroenterology. His exposure to information and the opportunity to learn about variations in practice and outcomes allowed him to maintain his interest in quality, which ultimately led to publications on colonoscopy quality. In his 40s he decided to obtain an executive master of business administration (EMBA), which he feels one should embark upon “when you have a problem to solve.” He has effectively moved from the VA system to private practice and now to academic medicine. Dr. Allen identified attending leadership conferences, engaging executive coaches, and participation in key committees as further opportunities to help you change careers. His prior work experience, education, and exposure enables him in his current position to help oversee a large department of medicine with 160 care sites, with quality and financials as key factors.
As we can see, there is no correct answer or set path for those of us wanting to change career directions. What was clear while speaking with both Dr. Vender and Dr. Allen was the importance of enthusiasm in solving issues, a willingness to commit to new projects, and an interest in exploring new areas.
Below is a brief overview of some degree programs that may help promote a change in your career path.
Masters in health care
This degree is aimed at those looking to advance their career in the field of health care in various locations, such as hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations.1 Length of prior health care experience will vary based upon program. Programs are administered on a full-time and part-time basis, as well as online and study abroad. Numerous specialties are offered such as medicine, nutrition, psychiatry, nursing, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, medical laboratory studies, radiology, alternative medicine, and health care management, administration, or leadership.
Health care MBA
Master of business administration (MBA) programs in health care administration management are offered by several universities. Given their aim of imparting essential information on a broad range of topics relevant to the health care industry, they are usually quite rigorous. It is recommended that you pursue an MBA only after a few years of working in your chosen field of practice. Many institutions require GMAT scores with the application.2-4
Executive MBA
EMBA programs are similar to health care MBAs in that they also include rigorous course work.5 EMBA programs are developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives or physicians hoping to advance or change their career. Typically, students can earn an MBA in 2 years or less while working full-time. GMAT scores are required by most institutions offering EMBA.
Certification leadership programs
A benefit of leadership programs is that they help to develop a clear vision by creating a mission statement, goals, and action plans. Some notable programs include:
- American Gastroenterological Association leadership programs: Future Leaders Program, Women’s Leadership Conference, and Forward Program (new for 2019). These programs offer robust sessions which are well thought out and intended to advance the careers of traditionally underrepresented groups within the field of gastroenterology.6
- American Medical Association’s Women’s Leadership Certificate: This program was developed to promote knowledge and strong leadership, both within oneself and among others. Attendees are awarded with the “AMA Women’s Leadership Certificate” following the 2-day event.7
- Executive leadership training and development programs: As with many universities offer programs like these; for example, Harvard Medical School, Boston, offers a popular – and usually sold out – event for women titled “Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Health Care.”8
- American College of Healthcare Executives: Various conferences and educational meetings in addition to the annual ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership.9
- American Association of Physician Leadership: Physician executive accreditation along with career services, continued education, and publications.10
After reviewing the experiences of two well-known gastroenterologists and several of the available programs, the question to ask yourself is, “What’s next?” Most will likely have this question already in mind, so here are a few potential career directions/positions to consider:
Academic medicine: department chief, program director, director of endoscopy, chief medical officer
Private practice: managing director, director of endoscopy, finance director
Private sector: pharmaceutical industry, scientific advisor, medical director, medical insurance industry, malpractice insurance industry, medical informatics, public policy, private equity, entrepreneurial
Conclusion
In summary, there is no single answer nor a single program that fits everyone’s needs. Health care delivery and management/administration are complicated and will only continue to evolve. Consideration must be given to the fact that any change in one’s career direction needs time and commitment.
Here are some take-home points:
- You needs to be introspective about personal strengths and weaknesses and areas to focus on.
- Asking questions raised in the second paragraph will help you narrow options and choose the correct program.
- Enrolling in, and completing, your chosen program is crucial.
- Experience and exposure to issues are invaluable in building your skill set. As our featured leaders advised: “Put yourself out there.”
- Build your resume by listing any activity outside of clinical work that has contributed to enhancing your skills.
Good luck!
References
1. HealthcareAdministrationEDU.org. Master’s in Health Administration. https://www.healthcareadministrationedu.org.
2. Healthcare Management Degree Guide. https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net.
3. The Best Schools: The 15 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-online-mba-healthcare-management/.
4. US News. Best Executive MBA Programs. 2019. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/executive-rankings.
5. The Best Schools: The Best Executive MBA Programs Online & On-Campus. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-executive-mba-programs/.
6. AGA. https://www.gastro.org/.
7. AMA. https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership-development-institute.
8. Harvard Medical School. Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Healthcare. https://womensleadership.hmscme.com/.
9. American College of Healthcare Executives. https://www.ache.org/.
10. American Association for Physician Leadership. https://www.physicianleaders.org.
Dr. Alaparthi is in private practice in Hamden, Conn.; assistant clinical professor, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.; and assistant clinical professor, Quinnipiac University, Hamden. She is also an ex-officio member of the AGA Women’s Committee.
I have been in private practice as a gastroenterologist for 18 years. Many of us in gastroenterology and related fields have wondered how to navigate toward the next step in our careers. There are resources available to further our knowledge, add new skills, and fine tune personal talents to help position us for that next step.
Questions to ask at this stage are: What do I really want to do? Where do I see myself in 5-10 years? How do I go about achieving my target?
We come from different backgrounds including, broadly, academic clinical, academic research, basic science, clinical practice, and education. The next stage of these career paths can vary, and that should be kept in mind while choosing courses/programs. I reached out to two well-known gastroenterologists who have successfully changed their career paths after starting with different backgrounds.
Ronald Vender, MD, professor of medicine, associate dean of clinical affairs, chief medical officer, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Vender began in private practice gastroenterology after fellowship. His own trajectory has been one of “evolution” and has grown to the above titles through “incremental opportunity.” While reflecting on his career, Dr. Vender felt three main attributes were responsible: involvement in medical/GI societies, involvement in non-GI organizations, and engagement of needs for improvement at the hospital of practice. Opportunities became available by speaking up, raising issues, and demanding improvements. Dr. Vender’s involvement in both the private practice sector and hospital administration made his transition to hospital administration possible. This change was based on a “change in [him] and change in what [he] wanted to do.” His advice for all is to learn to say “yes” often in your early career and recognize when to say “no” later in your career.
John Allen, MD, MBA, clinical professor of medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Dr. Allen started his career in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and during this time, he was exposed to research activities and learned research skills. His initial interest was in health care delivery, but this eventually changed to private practice gastroenterology. His exposure to information and the opportunity to learn about variations in practice and outcomes allowed him to maintain his interest in quality, which ultimately led to publications on colonoscopy quality. In his 40s he decided to obtain an executive master of business administration (EMBA), which he feels one should embark upon “when you have a problem to solve.” He has effectively moved from the VA system to private practice and now to academic medicine. Dr. Allen identified attending leadership conferences, engaging executive coaches, and participation in key committees as further opportunities to help you change careers. His prior work experience, education, and exposure enables him in his current position to help oversee a large department of medicine with 160 care sites, with quality and financials as key factors.
As we can see, there is no correct answer or set path for those of us wanting to change career directions. What was clear while speaking with both Dr. Vender and Dr. Allen was the importance of enthusiasm in solving issues, a willingness to commit to new projects, and an interest in exploring new areas.
Below is a brief overview of some degree programs that may help promote a change in your career path.
Masters in health care
This degree is aimed at those looking to advance their career in the field of health care in various locations, such as hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations.1 Length of prior health care experience will vary based upon program. Programs are administered on a full-time and part-time basis, as well as online and study abroad. Numerous specialties are offered such as medicine, nutrition, psychiatry, nursing, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, medical laboratory studies, radiology, alternative medicine, and health care management, administration, or leadership.
Health care MBA
Master of business administration (MBA) programs in health care administration management are offered by several universities. Given their aim of imparting essential information on a broad range of topics relevant to the health care industry, they are usually quite rigorous. It is recommended that you pursue an MBA only after a few years of working in your chosen field of practice. Many institutions require GMAT scores with the application.2-4
Executive MBA
EMBA programs are similar to health care MBAs in that they also include rigorous course work.5 EMBA programs are developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives or physicians hoping to advance or change their career. Typically, students can earn an MBA in 2 years or less while working full-time. GMAT scores are required by most institutions offering EMBA.
Certification leadership programs
A benefit of leadership programs is that they help to develop a clear vision by creating a mission statement, goals, and action plans. Some notable programs include:
- American Gastroenterological Association leadership programs: Future Leaders Program, Women’s Leadership Conference, and Forward Program (new for 2019). These programs offer robust sessions which are well thought out and intended to advance the careers of traditionally underrepresented groups within the field of gastroenterology.6
- American Medical Association’s Women’s Leadership Certificate: This program was developed to promote knowledge and strong leadership, both within oneself and among others. Attendees are awarded with the “AMA Women’s Leadership Certificate” following the 2-day event.7
- Executive leadership training and development programs: As with many universities offer programs like these; for example, Harvard Medical School, Boston, offers a popular – and usually sold out – event for women titled “Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Health Care.”8
- American College of Healthcare Executives: Various conferences and educational meetings in addition to the annual ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership.9
- American Association of Physician Leadership: Physician executive accreditation along with career services, continued education, and publications.10
After reviewing the experiences of two well-known gastroenterologists and several of the available programs, the question to ask yourself is, “What’s next?” Most will likely have this question already in mind, so here are a few potential career directions/positions to consider:
Academic medicine: department chief, program director, director of endoscopy, chief medical officer
Private practice: managing director, director of endoscopy, finance director
Private sector: pharmaceutical industry, scientific advisor, medical director, medical insurance industry, malpractice insurance industry, medical informatics, public policy, private equity, entrepreneurial
Conclusion
In summary, there is no single answer nor a single program that fits everyone’s needs. Health care delivery and management/administration are complicated and will only continue to evolve. Consideration must be given to the fact that any change in one’s career direction needs time and commitment.
Here are some take-home points:
- You needs to be introspective about personal strengths and weaknesses and areas to focus on.
- Asking questions raised in the second paragraph will help you narrow options and choose the correct program.
- Enrolling in, and completing, your chosen program is crucial.
- Experience and exposure to issues are invaluable in building your skill set. As our featured leaders advised: “Put yourself out there.”
- Build your resume by listing any activity outside of clinical work that has contributed to enhancing your skills.
Good luck!
References
1. HealthcareAdministrationEDU.org. Master’s in Health Administration. https://www.healthcareadministrationedu.org.
2. Healthcare Management Degree Guide. https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net.
3. The Best Schools: The 15 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-online-mba-healthcare-management/.
4. US News. Best Executive MBA Programs. 2019. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/executive-rankings.
5. The Best Schools: The Best Executive MBA Programs Online & On-Campus. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-executive-mba-programs/.
6. AGA. https://www.gastro.org/.
7. AMA. https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership-development-institute.
8. Harvard Medical School. Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Healthcare. https://womensleadership.hmscme.com/.
9. American College of Healthcare Executives. https://www.ache.org/.
10. American Association for Physician Leadership. https://www.physicianleaders.org.
Dr. Alaparthi is in private practice in Hamden, Conn.; assistant clinical professor, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.; and assistant clinical professor, Quinnipiac University, Hamden. She is also an ex-officio member of the AGA Women’s Committee.
I have been in private practice as a gastroenterologist for 18 years. Many of us in gastroenterology and related fields have wondered how to navigate toward the next step in our careers. There are resources available to further our knowledge, add new skills, and fine tune personal talents to help position us for that next step.
Questions to ask at this stage are: What do I really want to do? Where do I see myself in 5-10 years? How do I go about achieving my target?
We come from different backgrounds including, broadly, academic clinical, academic research, basic science, clinical practice, and education. The next stage of these career paths can vary, and that should be kept in mind while choosing courses/programs. I reached out to two well-known gastroenterologists who have successfully changed their career paths after starting with different backgrounds.
Ronald Vender, MD, professor of medicine, associate dean of clinical affairs, chief medical officer, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Vender began in private practice gastroenterology after fellowship. His own trajectory has been one of “evolution” and has grown to the above titles through “incremental opportunity.” While reflecting on his career, Dr. Vender felt three main attributes were responsible: involvement in medical/GI societies, involvement in non-GI organizations, and engagement of needs for improvement at the hospital of practice. Opportunities became available by speaking up, raising issues, and demanding improvements. Dr. Vender’s involvement in both the private practice sector and hospital administration made his transition to hospital administration possible. This change was based on a “change in [him] and change in what [he] wanted to do.” His advice for all is to learn to say “yes” often in your early career and recognize when to say “no” later in your career.
John Allen, MD, MBA, clinical professor of medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Dr. Allen started his career in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and during this time, he was exposed to research activities and learned research skills. His initial interest was in health care delivery, but this eventually changed to private practice gastroenterology. His exposure to information and the opportunity to learn about variations in practice and outcomes allowed him to maintain his interest in quality, which ultimately led to publications on colonoscopy quality. In his 40s he decided to obtain an executive master of business administration (EMBA), which he feels one should embark upon “when you have a problem to solve.” He has effectively moved from the VA system to private practice and now to academic medicine. Dr. Allen identified attending leadership conferences, engaging executive coaches, and participation in key committees as further opportunities to help you change careers. His prior work experience, education, and exposure enables him in his current position to help oversee a large department of medicine with 160 care sites, with quality and financials as key factors.
As we can see, there is no correct answer or set path for those of us wanting to change career directions. What was clear while speaking with both Dr. Vender and Dr. Allen was the importance of enthusiasm in solving issues, a willingness to commit to new projects, and an interest in exploring new areas.
Below is a brief overview of some degree programs that may help promote a change in your career path.
Masters in health care
This degree is aimed at those looking to advance their career in the field of health care in various locations, such as hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations.1 Length of prior health care experience will vary based upon program. Programs are administered on a full-time and part-time basis, as well as online and study abroad. Numerous specialties are offered such as medicine, nutrition, psychiatry, nursing, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, medical laboratory studies, radiology, alternative medicine, and health care management, administration, or leadership.
Health care MBA
Master of business administration (MBA) programs in health care administration management are offered by several universities. Given their aim of imparting essential information on a broad range of topics relevant to the health care industry, they are usually quite rigorous. It is recommended that you pursue an MBA only after a few years of working in your chosen field of practice. Many institutions require GMAT scores with the application.2-4
Executive MBA
EMBA programs are similar to health care MBAs in that they also include rigorous course work.5 EMBA programs are developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives or physicians hoping to advance or change their career. Typically, students can earn an MBA in 2 years or less while working full-time. GMAT scores are required by most institutions offering EMBA.
Certification leadership programs
A benefit of leadership programs is that they help to develop a clear vision by creating a mission statement, goals, and action plans. Some notable programs include:
- American Gastroenterological Association leadership programs: Future Leaders Program, Women’s Leadership Conference, and Forward Program (new for 2019). These programs offer robust sessions which are well thought out and intended to advance the careers of traditionally underrepresented groups within the field of gastroenterology.6
- American Medical Association’s Women’s Leadership Certificate: This program was developed to promote knowledge and strong leadership, both within oneself and among others. Attendees are awarded with the “AMA Women’s Leadership Certificate” following the 2-day event.7
- Executive leadership training and development programs: As with many universities offer programs like these; for example, Harvard Medical School, Boston, offers a popular – and usually sold out – event for women titled “Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Health Care.”8
- American College of Healthcare Executives: Various conferences and educational meetings in addition to the annual ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership.9
- American Association of Physician Leadership: Physician executive accreditation along with career services, continued education, and publications.10
After reviewing the experiences of two well-known gastroenterologists and several of the available programs, the question to ask yourself is, “What’s next?” Most will likely have this question already in mind, so here are a few potential career directions/positions to consider:
Academic medicine: department chief, program director, director of endoscopy, chief medical officer
Private practice: managing director, director of endoscopy, finance director
Private sector: pharmaceutical industry, scientific advisor, medical director, medical insurance industry, malpractice insurance industry, medical informatics, public policy, private equity, entrepreneurial
Conclusion
In summary, there is no single answer nor a single program that fits everyone’s needs. Health care delivery and management/administration are complicated and will only continue to evolve. Consideration must be given to the fact that any change in one’s career direction needs time and commitment.
Here are some take-home points:
- You needs to be introspective about personal strengths and weaknesses and areas to focus on.
- Asking questions raised in the second paragraph will help you narrow options and choose the correct program.
- Enrolling in, and completing, your chosen program is crucial.
- Experience and exposure to issues are invaluable in building your skill set. As our featured leaders advised: “Put yourself out there.”
- Build your resume by listing any activity outside of clinical work that has contributed to enhancing your skills.
Good luck!
References
1. HealthcareAdministrationEDU.org. Master’s in Health Administration. https://www.healthcareadministrationedu.org.
2. Healthcare Management Degree Guide. https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net.
3. The Best Schools: The 15 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-online-mba-healthcare-management/.
4. US News. Best Executive MBA Programs. 2019. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/executive-rankings.
5. The Best Schools: The Best Executive MBA Programs Online & On-Campus. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-executive-mba-programs/.
6. AGA. https://www.gastro.org/.
7. AMA. https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership-development-institute.
8. Harvard Medical School. Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Healthcare. https://womensleadership.hmscme.com/.
9. American College of Healthcare Executives. https://www.ache.org/.
10. American Association for Physician Leadership. https://www.physicianleaders.org.
Dr. Alaparthi is in private practice in Hamden, Conn.; assistant clinical professor, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.; and assistant clinical professor, Quinnipiac University, Hamden. She is also an ex-officio member of the AGA Women’s Committee.