Are you unsure how to articulate your reasons for wanting a new job without sounding negative or unprofessional? Do you want to confidently explain situations like seeking growth, changing careers, or even a layoff?

This episode will help you:

• Understand the two essential parts of an effective exit statement
• Learn how to frame common reasons for leaving
• Discover crucial things to avoid saying

By the end of this episode, listeners will learn how to prepare and deliver an honest, brief, and positive exit statement that reassures potential employers, highlights their skills, and effectively positions them for their next career move.

In this Episode:

[4:09] Changing, growing, or letting go?

[10:03] Get your list of questions right here

[15:14] Shhh – don't say these things outloud

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

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Are you a physician or scientist currently working in a government agency like the FDA, NIH, or CDC? Have you wondered if your unique skills and experiences are transferable and valuable to the pharmaceutical or biotech industry?

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• How federal health agency skills and experience may be aligned to physician roles in the pharmaceutical industry
• Job search strategies, current job market challenges, and how to stand out
• Potentially relevant federal agencies that employ physicians and scientists, and related transferrable skills

In this podcast episode, we delve into why physicians and scientists from agencies like the FDA, CDC, NIH, CMS, and even DoD/BARDA possess highly relevant expertise for roles within pharma, medical device, and biotech companies. I’ll share some insights and encouragement for those considering this specific career shift, emphasizing the significant value you bring and the actionable steps needed to navigate the move into industry.

In this Episode:

[03:20] Relevant government agencies for transferable skills
[8:00] The interplay between scientific communication and policy
[15:54] Start now, start with LinkedIn

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

Episode 86: Getting a Job in Pharma Without Prior Experience

Episode 87: How to Get Started Finding a Nonclinical Job in Pharma

Episode 88: What Physicians Do in Pharma: Drug Discovery and Development

Episode 89: Physician Jobs in Pharma: Medical Affairs

Episode 90: Physician Jobs in Pharma: Clinical Research and CROs

Episode 91: Physician Jobs in Pharma: Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance

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How can I effectively highlight my transferable skills on my resume when I'm transitioning into a new career? What are some common resume mistakes that could hurt my job search?

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The most common resume red flags and why
• How to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Effective ways to avoid making resume mistakes

Listen and you will learn the common downfalls that can negatively impact your job search, even with a strong professional background. I address the importance of avoiding overused industry jargon and clichés to make your resume stand out. By understanding these common mistakes and implementing effective strategies, you can craft a compelling resume that highlights your unique qualifications and ensures you’re putting your best qualities forward.

In this Episode:

[2:20] Addressing the AI in the room

[8:12] Less than a year? Two years?

[13:00] Keep it relevant and keep it moving

[20:24] Unfinished work doesn’t make the cut!

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

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Why does it sometimes take so long to hear back after an interview? How long is reasonable?
What can you do if you feel like you're being ghosted by a potential employer?

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• What the internal processes and approvals might slow things down
• When multiple candidates are under consideration
• The potential for hiring freezes or other corporate actions

Listening to this episode will help you understand why you might not hear back from a company right away after an interview, and provide you with practical advice on how to handle the situation. Some things are out of your control, but this episode will help you navigate ahead and make the most of what you can – and should – do after an interview.

In this Episode:

[2:00] Have you really been ghosted? And 5 other reasons you haven’t heard back.

[5:17] Internal red tape that can slow things down (and have nothing to do with you)

[8:20] When it’s not about you, but it IS about someone else

[14:00] So, what can you actually DO in this situation?

[22:20] Never give up!

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

Episode 108 - What You Need to Know About Why You Didn't Get the Job

Episode 127 - How to Get Helpful Feedback From a Job Interview

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Should you become a physician in utilization management? Wondering what “utilization management” is, and what a UM doctor does? A UM path can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who value flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on healthcare outcomes. I’m no expert in this area, so I brought in a guest who is- Dr. Jonathan Vitale!

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• Qualifications for utilization management positions, and what you need to be competitive
• What a utilization management doctor actually does, and how to determine if UM is the right nonclinical career for you
• Potential downsides to a nonclinical utilization management career you’ll want to consider before making a change

In my interview with Dr. Vitale, we explore the world of Utilization Management – a very popular nonclinical career option for doctors. Dr. Vitale is a board-certified family physician who transitioned from clinical practice to UM more than a decade ago. He tells us why many physicians choose UM for better work-life balance, potentially higher hourly income, less stress, and other benefits.

In this Episode:

• Dr. Vitale’s path from family medicine to utilization management
• What exactly is “utilization management” and what’s the job like?
• Pros, cons, and career advancement in UM
• Tips for physician job seekers interested in UM

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

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Are you frustrated that you aren’t getting the job, despite getting interviews? Even more frustrated that you don’t get any helpful or actionable feedback from those interviews?

If you’ve been interviewing without success, and only getting generic feedback that the company has chosen to move forward with another candidate, this episode may help you learn how to get better feedback – and ultimately, strengthen yourself as a candidate.

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• A different way of looking at the questions you are asked
• How to showcase your skills and address potential deficits directly
• Ways to follow up strategically, to get the feedback and the job

During this episode, you’ll learn about implementing these strategies to gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses and increase your chances of securing your desired position.
Discover how to transform typical job interview feedback into actionable steps for career advancement.

In this Episode:

[0:45] If you’re interviewing, you ARE a strong candidate

[1:52] What you can learn about yourself from the questions you are asked

[4:13] Ask this highly instructive question before the interview ends!

[9:41] Hints you may not be communicating your strengths clearly

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

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Can you transition into the pharmaceutical or biotech industry right after fellowship or residency training? Aspiring to be a senior pharmaceutical leader, CMO, or Board Director?

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• Taking a job in industry immediately after fellowship
• The importance of gaining diverse experience for career advancement
• Insights into the unique challenges of the startup world

Listen to this interview with Dr. Nerissa Kreher, a pediatric endocrinologist turned industry veteran. Dr. Kreher shares her journey into the pharmaceutical and biotech world, and her path up the ladder - including her roles as a CMO and her current board service.

In this Episode:

• How Dr. Kreher got started in pharma immediately after fellowship
• The career path that prepared her to be Chief Medical Officer
• Pros and cons of big pharma vs startups and biotech
• Nerissa’s thoughts on the biggest pharma job myth

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

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Have you been asked to sign a confidentiality or nondisclosure agreement (NDA) before a job interview, and wondered if you should be concerned? Is this routine, or is something risky going on? What are the potential benefits and risks of signing a confidentiality agreement before an interview?

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:

• The increasing trend of requiring confidentiality agreements before job interviews
• Reasons why companies request confidentiality agreements
• How these agreements can protect the company, but may also benefit you

In this episode, we’ll break down the pros and cons of pre-interview NDAs. Learn about common reasons companies request these agreements and how they can impact your job search. Get expert advice on what to look for in a confidentiality agreement and when to seek legal counsel. Listen to learn how to make informed decisions about protecting your interests while exploring new opportunities.

Please note – I am not an attorney, and this podcast is not legal advice.

In this Episode:

[0:42] The norm or a red flag?

[1:30] What kind of confidential information might you learn on an interview?

[4:15] The role of interview case studies, strategic plans, and presentations

[6:40] It’s always a good idea to consult an attorney

Links and Resources:

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

Support the show