How to Pivot Into Tech
5 step framework for Doctors and Medical Students
Venturing into something outside your comfort zone can be scary. If you are interested in breaking into the tech industry but don’t know where to start, we have come up with a 5 step framework.
The front door doesn’t exist.
So you need to find the a way through the secret back door.
To unlock this back door you need to be:
Curious
Proactive
Strategic
Curiosity will fuel your drive and dedication.
Proactivity, or the act of intentionally changing your environment rather than waiting for external forces, ensures you're always seeking opportunities for self-improvement and career advancement.
Strategy, like seeking advice and tips (perhaps through this newsletter!), will keep you ahead of the curve.
The most important thing you must focus on, whilst venturing down a new career path, is your reason why. Why do you want to potentially leave medicine and step into tech?
Is it simply that you want to branch out into a career where you are better looked after? Is it pay? Better work-life balance? Do you want to have an impact at scale?
Establishing your why step zero.
STEP 1: Up-skill yourself
You need to have a base line understanding. Being familiar with the tech space is no longer a competitive advantage, it is a basic requirement. You can build this foundation by:
Podcasts:
Health Beyond Tomorrow hosted by Esh: https://linktw.in/wJeCtj
Big Picture Medicine hosted by Mustafa Sultan, MD: https: //linktw.in/uJGnio
The Healthtech Podcast hosted by Dr. James Somauroo: https://linktw.in/HBzjsW
RSM Podcast hosted by Dr Annabelle Painter: https://linktw.in/dvQnGs
Books:
Deep Medicine by Eric Topol, MD: https://linktw.in/HJcAjC
The Patient Will See You Now: The Future of Medicine Is in Your Hands by Eric Topol, MD: https://linktw.in/DgEIgY
The Digital Doctor by Robert Wachter: https://linktw.in/AwgzDG
This is where being proactive and curious will play a massive role.
STEP 2: Build your network
“Your network is your net-worth.”
Who you surround yourself with is an immediate reflection of yourself.
Participate in both in-person and online events, such as:
Examples of in-person events:
SomX HealthTech Events: https://www.somx.health/healthtech-ev...
Intelligent Health by Inspired Minds:https://intelligenthealth.ai
Rewired by Digital Health: https://digitalhealthrewired.com
Examples of online communities where you can connect with people with similar interests:
Community for Doctors Following an Alternative Career Path: https://medicfootprints.org
Community for Medical Student Entrepreneurs: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
Again, be a bit proactive!
STEP 3: Produce content online
The best way to make yourself known is to produce content online.
Creating content about topics that you are curious and passionate about is the way to succeed. When you are curious about a topic, you can never truly run out of things to say/write about. Find what it is you want to base your content around, and then focus on the type of content you would want to create.
If you want more information on this topic, watch Esh’s YouTube video on how to create a personal brand as a doctor:
STEP 4: Proactive outreach
This is where a lot of people seem to fail due to a lack of strategy. Lucky for you we have come up with some actionable tips to help you succeed through this stage.
When outreaching with cold emails, make sure to show a genuine interest in the person/company.
Go above and beyond. Invest some time into doing some homework about the specific person. It will set you apart from others and increase the chances of a reply.
Show your credibility. Show off! Make it known that you are worth that persons’ time.
As brutal as it sounds, the intended person will look at your email and decide whether you are worth their time…
Tell that person/company how you can provide value to them.
For example, if you are a medical student, offer some of your free time to help a company out on a project they are working on.
STEP 5: Accelerator Programme
If you want to fast-track your way into the tech industry, effectively skipping fast Stages 1-3, accelerator programmes are the way forward.
They usually lasts for 8-12 weeks and the aim is to accelerate you into the health tech industry by up-skilling you, providing you with opportunities and connections to build your network. The downside is they are highly expensive and competitive.
Some examples of fellowships are:
Fellowships Topol Digital Health Fellowship: https://topol.hee.nhs.uk/digital-fell...
NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme: https://nhscep.com
NHS Innovation Accelerator: https://nhsaccelerator.com/apply/appl...
BiteLabs HealthTech and Innovation Fellowship: https://www.bitelabs.io.
Transitioning to a tech career requires curiosity, proactivity and strategic planning. Use this framework as your guide, and don't hesitate to reach out for more personalised advice!
And as always, if you haven’t yet, watch the full YouTube video below:
Bye for now,
The Beyond Tomorrow Team