Header Logo
About Contact
← Back to all posts

Choosing the Path Less Traveled

by Ben Reinking
Oct 19, 2024
Connect
Share to…
Share

There was a point in my career when I just wanted out. I was exhausted, angry, and uncertain about what my options were. I thought I was done with clinical work. I could not see a path forward as a clinician that didn't lead to burnout again.

As I explored my options, I realized I was unaware of an entire workforce of nonclinical physicians. I interviewed for positions in utilization management and medical writing. At the same time, I worked with a coach and realized that I liked seeing patients and being a doctor. The answer wasn't that I needed to do different work; I needed to work differently. I said no to some tasks draining me, cut back to 90% time, and found balance. I am happy with my choice and in my career.

Clinical work is not for everyone. 

Physicians have a deep skillset that is valuable outside of the clinical setting. Inspired by experience looking for nonclinical roles, my latest blog post explores different options available for those whose path leads away from clinical medicine. 

 Read the Blog

 

The best way to find out whether you're on the right path? Stop looking at the path. - Marcus Buckingham

Physician Wellbeing

I am excited to share that I was recently a guest on The Doc Lounge Podcast with host Stacey Dolye! During the episode, Stacey and I discuss:

- My journey into pediatric cardiology đź«€
- Innovative strategies for preventing physician burnout 🛡️
- How to achieve work-life harmony in medicine ⚖️
- The importance of a growth mindset for professional success 🌱

The episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your career and personal well-being.

👉 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube!


Are you considering a different career path? Here's how I can help...
  1. Book a free coaching consult. We all need someone to listen from time to time. I can be that someone. You'll leave the consult with clarity and an action item.
  2. Check out the online course Mastery and Wellness: How to Thrive as a Physician. It teaches all the skills you need to take control of your career. The last module explores different career paths discussed in this week's blog! 
  3. Have you read my blog? There's tons of helpful content that I think you will like.

 

To your success and well-being,

Ben

 

Responses

Join the conversation
t("newsletters.loading")
Loading...
Olympic Dreams
     If you’ve been reading my blog or this newsletter for a while, you know I have an Olympic obsession. I was a competitive swimmer from age six until I was twenty-two. Somewhere along the way, like most kids who spend that much time staring at a black line on the bottom of a pool, I dreamt of Olympic glory. It wasn’t a realistic dream. But isn't that the point? That’s what the Olympics do. ...
A New Chapter: Conversations, Tools, and Support
    As we turned the page from 2025 to 2026, I’ve spent some time reflecting on where The Developing Doctor is headed. One word kept coming up for me: connection. At its heart, this platform has always been about creating a place where physicians can share real stories, learn from one another, and find practical resources to support both their careers and their lives. With that vision in mind,...
Holding hope close as we wrap 2025
  This past year felt, in many ways, like stepping into what feels like the new normal of medicine:  reimbursement pressure tightening, patient complexity growing, workforce shortages felt daily, and technology surprising us by showing up where we least expected it. And yet, even in that heaviness, something quietly remarkable emerged: possibility, agency, and the chance to shape careers that ...

Mastery and Wellness: Thriving in Medicine

A weekly newsletter designed to empower medical professionals to achieve mastery, balance, and well-being in their careers and lives.
© 2026 All Rights Reserved by The Developing Doctor
Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy

Join Our Free Trial

Get started today before this once in a lifetime opportunity expires.