Three Steps to Planning a Medical Career
Medical Career Planning
After years of structured education – from undergraduate studies through medical school and residency – many physicians feel adrift as they navigate their professional lives post-training. To address this common challenge, a simple three-step framework can help physicians at any stage find success and fulfillment. This approach guides medical professionals in setting long-term aspirations, medium-term intentions, and short-term actionable goals. It is a comprehensive roadmap for career development. By following these three steps, doctors can align their professional journey with their personal values and ambitions and ensure a more satisfying, purposeful career in medicine.
Step 1. Complete the following sentence: “I want to be remembered for my _____.”
When planning your medical career, it’s essential to consider the legacy you want to leave. Imagine yourself at a retirement party, and your colleagues are honoring you. What do you hope they say about you? What personal characteristics do you want people to remember you for? Do you want to be known for your kindness, leadership, attention to detail, courage, or pursuit of excellence? As you navigate your career, asking yourself if each opportunity honors the legacy you hope to leave can be helpful. Take advantage of the opportunities that support your legacy and decline those that do not.
Medical Career Planning
Step 2. Set medium intentions by writing an intention statement.
An intention statement is a positive and forward-looking resolution based on past experiences. To write an intention statement, think about the past 1-2 years, what has challenged you, what you have enjoyed, and what has surprised you. Then, think about how those experiences will impact your career. An example of an intention statement is: “Over the past year, my work on the quality and safety committee challenged me. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed quality improvement and excited to see the committee’s work’s impact on patient outcomes. I intend to explore options for formal training in quality improvement.”
Intention statements can be broad and forward-looking and support your long-term legacy. Partner with a coach or use the
Medical Career Planning
Step 3. Set short-term SMART goals.
Setting SMART goals is essential to support your intention and long-term legacy. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific goals are clear and defined, with a well-defined outcome. Measurable goals have a way to track progress by using specific metrics or indicators. Achievable goals are realistic and can be accomplished within a reasonable timeframe. Relevant goals align with your overall career aspirations. Finally, time-bound goals have a specific deadline for completion.
By setting SMART goals, you can break down your intention statement into smaller, actionable steps you can track and accomplish along the way. These goals can help you stay motivated, focused, and on track toward achieving your long-term legacy. An example of a SMART goal that supports the intention of obtaining formal training in quality improvement is: “I will enroll in a six-month online certification program in quality management. I will read three books and complete two online courses in the first three months to better understand quality management principles. By the end of the program, I aim to develop and implement at least one quality improvement project in my workplace to demonstrate my competency in quality management.”
Remember that medicine is a rewarding, challenging, frustrating, and amazing field. Your dreams, intentions, and goals may change as you grow and evolve. It’s essential to be open to new possibilities and to adapt your goals to fit your current circumstances and passions. Embracing change and being resilient in the face of challenges is vital to achieving your dreams and living a fulfilling life. The journey is worthwhile.
If you want to learn how coaching can help define your legacy, write intention statements, and set SMART goals, contact me for a complimentary introductory session.
