Leaving clinical medicine was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself, but it wasn’t easy. I want to share my journey—not because it was simple or without challenges, but because I know how isolating and daunting this decision can feel.
From early on, I knew that clinical practice wasn’t for me. While this realisation gave me clarity, it didn’t make the decision to leave any less difficult. For years, I went back and forth, second-guessing myself at every turn. It’s easy to say you want to leave, but the reality of doing so is far more complex. Especially in medicine, leaving carries a unique weight, much heavier than simply switching a corporate job.
Here are the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned:
1. The Guilt
One of the hardest parts was dealing with guilt. I knew how competitive it was to get into medicine, and I felt like I was betraying the system by not “serving” in the way I was told I should. I even felt like I had stolen a spot from someone else. The weight of that guilt was gut-wrenching.
But over time, I realised this perspective wasn’t necessary—or true. I continue to work in healthcare, and my contributions now impact an even greater number of people. Leaving clinical practice didn’t mean I stopped making a difference; it meant I could make a difference in a way that felt more aligned with my values and strengths.
2. The Fear of Wasting Time
I spent years studying medicine. The thought of “throwing it all away” haunted me. But I’ve come to see this fear for what it was—an illusion. My medical knowledge serves me every day in my current role. My unique understanding of clinical realities allows me to bridge gaps between practice and academia in ways that are incredibly fulfilling. Nothing was wasted; it all adds value to the work I do now.
3. Losing My Identity
Without realising it, my entire identity had become wrapped up in being a doctor. Training consumed most of my life—I had no time for hobbies, outside friends, or even non-medical conversations. (I married my clinical partner, so even my personal life revolved around medicine!). I know I am not alone in this.
Walking away felt like erasing the only version of myself that existed. For a long time, I believed that medicine was all I had to offer. But I couldn’t keep silencing the other parts of me for the sake of my career. Leaving allowed me to rediscover who I was outside of medicine. Today, I feel whole again. I have room in my life for my interests, relationships, and dreams beyond work.
4. Facing Judgment
Clinical medicine can be a toxic environment, and leaving only magnified that toxicity. People I barely knew felt entitled to tell me I was making “the biggest mistake of my life”. Others mocked me, claiming I was inadequate simply because I decided to leave.
I like to think I have thick skin, but when you’re already burned out and depleted, those words can cut deep. What I’ve learned is that the gossip eventually fades, and people move on. Now, many reach out to me for advice about leaving medicine themselves. It’s a reminder that many are still navigating their own struggles within the profession.
5. Being Good at Something Doesn’t Mean You Enjoy It
Like many Type A personalities in medicine, I placed a lot of my self-worth on my accomplishments. This blurred the line between what I was good at and what I actually enjoyed.
It took an honest, difficult conversation with myself to confront this. Ultimately, I realised that my work ethic—the same trait that made me excel in medicine—could help me succeed in something I loved. Self-trust became my foundation. Believing in myself and my ability to figure things out was essential.
6. No Plan, No Clue
When I decided to leave, I had no idea what I was going to do next. Medicine had always provided a clear-cut path, and now I was trading it for the unknown.
Taking the leap felt reckless, but I chose to trust myself (hesitantly). I quit and took two months off to recover and reflect. For the first time since high school, I had given myself space to just exist. That time was transformative. I got to know myself as an adult, align with my values, and envision the life I wanted.
While this opportunity was a privilege, I highly recommend carving out even a small window of time for self-reflection if you’re considering a similar transition. The clarity and self-awareness you gain will be invaluable.
Leaving clinical medicine wasn’t easy. It required bravery, self-belief, and a willingness to step into the unknown. But it was also the best decision I’ve made for myself.
To anyone contemplating this path, I hope you find the courage to take a leap of faith and bet on yourself. Life is too short to settle for anything less than joy and fulfilment. And to those who find joy in clinical practice, thank you for your dedication and for serving those who need you most.
You have the power to build a life that aligns with your values. Trust yourself—endless opportunities await.