Monique Nugent, MD, MPH, hospitalist at South Shore Health in Boston and author of Prescription for Admission, explains why physicians need to think beyond clinical care when considering career development and diversification. From early education through fellowship, physicians are conditioned to stay within a predefined mold, which can make it difficult to imagine broader professional identities. She encourages physicians—starting as early as college or medical school—to explore diverse roles, such as involvement in nonprofits, school projects, or personal initiatives, to build leadership, organizational, and networking skills. Diversifying early creates new opportunities and helps physicians see themselves as more than patient-care providers. Dr. Nugent emphasizes that leadership is essential to improving healthcare at scale and extends beyond management to roles in academia, legislation, and community work. Physicians can develop leadership skills through formal training, mentoring, hospital programs, or earning an MBA, but most importantly, by continuously seeking opportunities to grow into a more capable version of themselves.
—
Transcript: