How to Transition from Stay-at-Home Mom to Practicing Physician

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By Althea DeBrule
User-Submitted Article

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There are many important factors that should be considered when choosing to return to medical practice after having been a stay-at-home mom. Gaining the confidence to re-start a medical career after an absence of several years can be a daunting task; but it is possible to pick-up where you left off and return to the healing profession—although it will not be easy. Take these steps to help you shift from full time mom to practicing physician.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Medical license
State medical boards
Confidential professional profile
Introductory letter
Online job medical boards
Trusted Advisors

Step 1

Before returning to practice, you will need to re-certify that you are a competent physician. Re-certification requirements vary based on the amount of time you have been absent from the medical profession. It may be necessary for you to:

a) Complete several general certification clinical assessments to demonstrate that you have maintained an acceptable level of competence.

b) Take several refresher courses in your area of medical specialty.

c) Complete all required supervised practice hours in your medical specialty.
Step 2

Check the Directory of State Medical Boards (see resources) to learn more about the core medical credentials and re-licensing requirements for physicians in the state where you would like to practice.
Step 3

Seek trusted advice about how to re-start a career in medicine. Re-establish connections with former colleagues and ask for their help in searching for available physician positions.
Step 4

Put together a confidential professional profile or resume. Include medical education, postgraduate training, board certification, licensure and previous practice experience. Highlight significant achievements and any medical breakthroughs you have made.
Step 5

Write a letter to introduce yourself to medical directors and private practice physicians to let them know you are re-entering the profession. Emphasize your strengths, skills and attributes, and why you would be an excellent choice for a new staff physician.
Step 6

Check out online medical job boards such as Medical Jobs Online to explore available opportunities for physicians. Consider posting your profile or resume.
Step 7

Join several medical associations to build self-confidence and network with practicing physicians. Subscribe to various medical journals and related magazines to learn about new developments in your specialty area.
Step 8

Develop a plan to transition from stay-at-home mom to full-time practicing physician and set a reasonable timeframe. Prepare family members for your return to work. Consider the following:

a) Child care arrangements

b) Meal planning

c) Budgeting and planning for additional expenditures as a result of working outside the home.

d) Family schedule adjustments
Step 9

Mentally prepare yourself for returning to work. Spend time alone in reflection and self-assessment. Evaluate your personal style and think about what you would like in your ideal work environment.