Career planning for doctors

Abstract Career Planning for Doctors is a book for doctors and medical students who need or wish to make a career decision. The book provides guidance for those supporting junior colleagues with career decisions. Part 1 takes the reader through a staged structure to career decision-making. The book encourages readers to be systematic. Much can be learnt from the way doctors make diagnoses and make clinical decisions. It is therefore argued that doctors have the skills needed and could make greater use of their own analytic skills. The book sets out a series of exercises designed to make implicit knowledge more explicit. Skills, values, preferences as well as stressors can all be elucidated and brought to bear on the career decision-making process. Some common career challenges are specifically addressed: specialty selection, burnout, and managing work-life balance. Throughout the book it is argued that insights from occupational psychology and other relevant disciplines can enhance the effectiveness of doctors’ career planning. Case studies illustrate how the concepts can be applied in practice. By encouraging the application of greater analytic thinking to one’s own needs, doctors can make more robust career decisions. The book is designed to meet the needs of all doctors, educators, and medical students coming towards their final years. There are additionally chapters on international medical graduates, mental health, well-being and resilience, and a chapter for those considering leaving the profession.