Debunking 5 Myths About Careers for Physicians in Pharma/Biotech
I hear these myths from clients in initial consults ALL the time. I see these myths posted on facebook groups ALL the time. I’m de-bunking them for you here:
- Biotech/pharma requires an extensive basic science and/or clinical research background.
NOPE! Many roles for physicians in pharma only require your clinical knowledge and expertise.
- Medical Affairs is not a career path if I’m an introvert.
NOPE! Do not let being an introvert stand in the way of any career. I am a STRONG introvert and started my biopharma career in Medical Affairs.
- Fellowship or specialty training is required to work in biotech/pharma.
NOPE! Pediatricians, internists, etc. can have fulfilling careers in pharma. See some of the physicians The Pharma IndustryMDCoach has helped here
- I can only get a job supporting a drug or development program that is related to my area of specialty training.
NO AGAIN! It certainly can help get your foot in the door in that first role but is not necessary. I currently work in neuromuscular diseases and I’m a pediatric endocrinologist.
- The salary in pharma/biotech won’t replace my clinical income.
UNLIKELY! For many physicians, the salary and overall package (bonus, equity, 401k matching, time, etc) will definitely match if not exceed the clinical salary.
Don’t let these myths deter you from finding your fulfilling career in pharma/biotech. There is a role for essentially ANY physician – it will take work to find and land these roles but it is worth it to have intellectual stimulation and career satisfaction!
Ready to make a career transition to pharma/biotech… want to explore a way to use your medical training and knowledge in a fulfilling way without nights and weekends call or charting. Watch this webinar on Getting Past the Three Major Hurdles to a Career in the Pharma Industry HERE.