Over the past 2 years, I've been networking, attending board meetings and workshops with clinicians as well as non-medical professionals who have founded their own HealthTech/MedTech start-ups. Now I'm working with them. Learning how they started and where they are now and seeing their vision &amp; mission to conquer ever-new frontiers is incredibly inspiring ✨In this article, I share my 7 Top Tips for entering the digital health industry. These tips are for any professional interested in breaking into HealthTech or MedTech, but they are particularly geared towards clinicians 🩺1. Start with Your Why<blockquote>"If the why is powerful, the how is easy - Jim Rohn"</blockquote>Entering into a new sector is a BIG step thus we need to have a clear picture of why we want to do it. It's critical to know your why and your passion. It is your why that will inspire you to take action. An easy task you can do is sit down with a pen and paper and write a list of "your whys". Also, don't forget to ask yourself "why not" too.2. Your Value PropositionBeing a clinician with real-world healthcare experience makes you stand out in the HealthTech or MedTech sector. Nothing else can give you the skills you gain from practicing medicine - you are your superpower 💪Start building your portfolio, highlighting your skills, interests and experiences both within and outside of medicine/healthcare. Your LinkedIn profile can serve as your digital portfolio if you keep it up-to-date.Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself when meeting founders or those working in your desired industry. This shows you're prepared for any opportunity and that you think ahead. A well-crafted elevator pitch and making it conversational helps your listeners to relate to you and remember you!A quick structure for an elevator pitch:<ul><li>Smile :)</li><li>Your name &amp; what you do</li><li>What are you interested in</li><li>What makes you unique</li><li>Give a call to action</li></ul>3. Power of Networking<blockquote>"Networking is not about collecting contacts. It's about planting relationships - Unknown"</blockquote>Networking is a valuable resource for gaining new ideas and perspectives. Building strong relationships is key to creating a stronger support network and more impactful connections. Therefore, exchange stories, challenges and interests.Take time to make a real connection and explore how you might help each other out. Respond to others' challenges by providing your insights and help them solve the problem. Ask them what they're working on at the moment, which can help you formulate a follow-up. Connect with them on LinkedIn and take notes so that when you see or message them next, you can say, "Last time we spoke, you had mentioned…".4. Attending conferences, summits and workshopsAttending conferences and events is a brilliant way to immerse yourself to new ideas and new people. As conferences anchor a large audience from around the world, it is a hub for exchanging revolutionary ideas, getting feedback, networking and even landing a position within your preferred industry. You never know where that one conversation or handshake may lead you 🤝You get the opportunity for 1:1 meetings with digital health peers; participate in CPD-certified sessions; hear directly from industry leading experts, pre-dominantly from the NHS.Below are some of the HealthTech/MedTech-focused conferences I attended in 2021-22 and also planning to attend this year. I've included the dates &amp; links for these events in 2023. They're free to attend for the NHS, public sector and charities.<ul><li>HETT Show - this year they have a new extension called HETT North taking place in Manchester Central from 02/03/23. Link: https://hettnorth.co.uk/</li><li>NHSConfedExpo: 14/06/23 - 15/06/23 at Manchester Central https://www.nhsconfed.org/events/nhs-confedexpo-2023</li><li>London Tech Week: 12/06/23 - 16/06/23 at Queen Elizabeth II Centre (https://londontechweek.com/) -I'm looking forward to attending this one!</li></ul>5. Keep Learning, Keep GrowingInvesting in yourself helps you to enhance your skillsets, knowledge and confidence when stepping into a new sector.I have undertaken training at the ORCHA Digital Health Academy to better understand the HealthTech landscape. The academy provides NHS approved, CPD accredited and FREE online training.Below are some courses to help you get a head start on Digital Health: https://orcha-academy.com/<ul><li>Foundation 1: Introduction to Digital Health</li><li>Foundation 2: Importance of Prescribing Digital Health</li></ul>6. Create Your Own OpportunityYou can gain experience by offering to be a mentor or clinical advisor for a digital health company and helping founders refine their idea and/or product. You can use this to build your HealthTech portfolio and discover what you enjoy most about it. Sometimes, a voluntary one-off mentorship/advisory meeting can develop into a more formal or long-term relationship with a company.7. Say the Bravest Thing<blockquote>"Asking for help is a sign of strength &amp; courage"</blockquote>Ask for help when you need it. Embarking on a new journey is exciting, but we cannot do it alone. Asking for help is the bravest thing we can do. Sometimes it can be scary but believe me asking for help when you need it can be life changing. People can surprise you with their incredible kindness. We all grow together by supporting each other 🙌These tips are just the beginning of your journey into HealthTech/MedTech. So if there is anything I can help you with on your new or ongoing journey, feel free to reach out.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucky-ali/Instagram: @lucky_ali.officialNext article is about roles within HealthTech industry - watch this space - only on Peerr 👋

In this article, I share my 7 Top Tips for entering the digital health industry. These tips are for any professional interested in breaking into HealthTech or MedTech, but they are particularly geared towards clinicians 🩺

7 Top Tips for Breaking into HealthTech/MedTech

An alarming 40% of junior doctors are planning to leave the NHS, according to the latest BMA survey.&nbsp;&nbsp;As an increasing number of medics are taking the plunge to leave the NHS, undertaking an internship in healthcare consulting has become a popular option.&nbsp; This is particularly relevant for many medical students who are considering leaving the NHS before they have officially started training programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spending most of their educational careers in the clinical environment, with very little training in the world of business, medical students and junior doctors often feel at a disadvantage compared to their more business-trained counterparts.&nbsp;&nbsp;As an inquisitive, eager incoming foundation doctor, I write about finding the answers to questions you have before considering an internship in healthcare consulting.&nbsp;&nbsp;What can you offer as a medical student or junior doctor?&nbsp;&nbsp;It is easy to think that your skills are only valid in the clinical environment. However, the skills and experiences medical professionals possess are invaluable and can be applied far beyond the hospital wards or GP clinic rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;Think about that patient you took a history from, examined, investigated appropriately, diagnosed, managed, and handed over. This could not have been done without using your initiative, effective communication and teamwork skills combined with your problem-solving ability. These are all core consulting skills; you research, break down a problem, strategise, solve the problem and present concisely.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Working in consulting you are surrounded by intelligent, hardworking individuals. Healthcare consulting firms benefit from individuals who are logical, think critically and analytically and know how to search for relevant information. These are all skills which are heavily emphasised upon in medical school. Consider your intercalated degree, research module or that Quality Improvement Project you designed whilst also working to tight deadlines. Sounds familiar? I thought so.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are working on a healthcare or medical technology related project, your clinical background will be of great benefit. Whilst your colleagues may have better knowledge of business terminology, they most likely will not have experienced first-hand the clinical areas in which these interventions will be applicable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An understanding of medical terminology combined with a clinical background allows you to contribute in a unique way. Your experiences provide a greater understanding of issues facing healthcare organisations, a fresh perspective of the solutions and a realistic idea of the efficacy of interventions.&nbsp;&nbsp;I studied medicine to make a difference, how am I doing this in consulting?&nbsp;&nbsp;We all enter a career in medicine with the intention of making a positive difference and many of us gain satisfaction from this; it is simply ingrained in us. You may feel that you are not implementing change by analysing data, presenting at client meetings, or making PowerPoint presentations. This could not be further from the truth. One could argue that in consulting, the feeling of reward is greater; you are part of a movement that contributes to improving patient care at a population level, not just an individual level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A common concern junior doctors have is that they feel unheard in a large institution like the NHS. This is partly due to feeling at the bottom of a hierarchical structure and cultural resistance, making it difficult to implement changes. In the field of consulting, your voice is important, appreciated, and necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;What can I gain from this internship?&nbsp;&nbsp;It is instilled into us that after 5 years (minimum) of rigorous exams, it is our duty to serve the NHS. We accomplish medical school with the pride of giving back to the system. Do we know about the institution that we will be a part of post-graduation?&nbsp;&nbsp;During my internship, I learnt more about the structure of the NHS, the various NHS trusts, ICBs and CCGs than I did in 6 years of medical school. Understanding how the front-line links with business side of the NHS provides you with a better insight into the structure of the system and identifies areas in which you feel best equipped to contribute. &nbsp;&nbsp;Very few senior leadership and management figures in the NHS have clinical experience. Experience in consulting can help deal with the strategy or management consulting element of a senior NHS role. The synergistic relationship between business and clinical acumen gained from consulting experiences is what the NHS needs right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;An internship is a great time to decide if a career in consulting is for you before you take the brave plunge of quitting medicine. Even if you realise this is not where you see yourself working, or you decide you want to create your own start up, the entrepreneurial, leadership and presentation skills you develop will give you an incredible advantage regardless of the career option you choose to pursue next.&nbsp;&nbsp;What can I expect from this internship?&nbsp;&nbsp;Deadlines are deadlines!&nbsp;&nbsp;Whilst there is no rigid timetable of what exactly you need to do every hour, it is imperative that the tasks assigned to you are completed to a high standard and to time. This requires effective time and resource management. You will be working in a team to complete to help meet client expectations and the fast turnover.&nbsp;No two projects are the same! One day you will be working on a project related to women’s health and the next project may be genetics related. You are always on your toes and mentally stimulated.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can expect a fast-paced environment and some long evenings. However, a good team dynamic, with high morale, makes you realise that your hard work is rewarded- rather satisfying, isn’t it?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What have I learnt at Candesic? &nbsp;Candesic is a boutique firm which specialises in healthcare and life sciences. It is a highly ranked, well recognised, and award-winning firm. Working alongside a mix of colleagues with financial, engineering, or scientific backgrounds with senior supervision allows for a more personal experience and involvement. Candesic is a stimulating environment with many interesting projects to be involved in, allowing you to grow, recognise your strengths and develop new competencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;How do I get involved?&nbsp;Seek opportunities and network! Networking events and LinkedIn are great to reach out to current consultants for an informal chat. It is important to research the company, to understand their values and what they do. You need to think, ‘what can I give this company?’ and ‘what can this company give me?’. Put yourself out there, collate a CV and email companies expressing your interest in an internship or elective.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never doubt your competencies. Instead recognise your abilities, be confident in your transferable skills but know when to ask for help.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The key to succeeding is demonstrating your passion, desire to contribute and hunger to instigate change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heard about consulting but unsure of what it entails? 
Have you wondered what you can offer as a junior medic?

Here's a summary of what I wish I knew before I started my internship. 

A Healthcare Consulting Internship - A guide for Medical Students and Junior Doctors  

How do you generate ideas to change and revolutionise healthcare (yeah that word revolutionise again😒 that all companies claim to be able to do) ?Well, rather than moaning this time, here are a few tips I scribbled down for you to consider when thinking of ideas for your product(s) and trying to move it to the MVP stage.1️⃣ The wheel. Generally speaking -you don't need to re-invent the wheel to create a great product (granted innovation and breaking new grounds in research is a part of some companies offerings/approach - but unless you have a few million $$$$s to hand, it's probably not your first go-to method).For example - take a look at other industries. A rubbish example, but think of cars for e.g. Why does someone buy a Mercedes vs a Lamborghini vs a Hyundai? Transfer that analogy to medicine. Are there too many (expensive) Lamborghinis in the product offerings? Can you be the next Hyundai in the same field (affordable, more mass market etc) or vice versa?Basically everything you think hasn't been done, probably has in some form or another. The question is, how can you make it better or unique in a way that it adds value?2️⃣ Tech. Can new or emerging technologies do the same as before but better or add value? Look at VOIP, it's pretty much replaced the phone system in primary care. We can't survive without&nbsp;Accurx&nbsp;in primary care anymore.&nbsp;Ummanu Health&nbsp;are bringing remote telephone care to a new level.&nbsp;Hero Health&nbsp;are reinventing the practice front door through a digital/online front door.Need to wait for ages to ring and speak to a specialist? Nope-&nbsp;Consultant Connect&nbsp;has a platform to connect you much quicker.While all are now complicated/sophisticated and established companies well beyond my simplification above, in principle, all the ideas are generally an extension of what already exists (photos sent on a camera, front desk reception, telephone calls, ringing to get specialist advice to avoid admission), but enhanced with tech to add a great USP. Can you think of anything that might be able to do the same with?3️⃣ Pain. Oh the pain. What pains you in your day to day job or what pains those around you? If you can solve a pain that you suffer with a solution that can use a bit of tech, more likely than not there are hundreds or thousands of others (individuals and organisations) who will pay to help that problem go away. If you are not medically trained, you will likely need clinical expertise from someone like myself (other experts available) to help with this and ensure the product is truly fit for purpose and actually solving something worthwhile.4️⃣ No-code solutions. Honestly, there are tonnes of sites and apps or even (relatively) cheap software engineers or site developers who can turn your idea into a trial product (probably under a few grand to be honest) that you can trial where you are working. Im sure your employers wouldnt mind the efficiency savings and you get a free early, low risk pilot to help iterate the product. No code solutions mean just that, you dont even need much digital literacy to start!If you don't try/start, you will; never know to be honest and it will forever remain an idea in your head.Anything else you would add to this? What are your thoughts?If it's useful, subscribe please and share/like.Junaid.I advise on digital health solutions. Please dont be shy to follow, connect or message. Happy to set up a chat with like-minded people or companies that would like advisory input on their digital health/tech product offerings.Just send me a message/DM on LinkedIN

How do you generate ideas to change and revolutionise healthcare (yeah that word revolutionise again😒 that all companies claim to be able to do) ?

Well, rather than moaning this time, here are a few tips I scribbled down for you to consider.

Digital Health: 4 Tips To Go From Idea To MVP

The main reason I receive a cold email is, of course, because a start-up is looking for funding. The second biggest reason people reach out is because they’re interested in starting a career in VC.When I receive these emails, my heart sinks a little. I know what it’s like to want to work in the sector, and I also know how hard it can be to get into. I first learned about the career of a VC some 17 years ago – and I knew immediately it’s what I wanted to do. But it still took me over a decade to make it happen.In this blog I’m going to share my thoughts on the subject, offer up some hopefully helpful hints and tips, and talk about part of my journey. I’m fairly certain it has been the right career for me. Indeed, other than professional sportsman (any sport!) or world-famous rockstar (any band!) I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. But I’m not sure it’s right for everyone. So, the first thing to do is to ask: ‘is a job as an investor definitely the one for me?’<h2> A note of caution&nbsp;</h2>There’s no doubt that working as an early-stage investor is exciting and interesting. You spend your days with incredible entrepreneurs – risk takers, eternal optimists building incredible businesses with the genuine belief that they will change the world. You never stop learning, becoming an overnight expert in a staggering variety of subjects, that means not only are you never bored – you always have some great conversation to bring to a dinner party.But on the other side of things, the nature of the job means you see a lot of opportunities, and you really must be OK with saying… no. A lot&nbsp;. For context, you might complete 1 in 100 or 200 deals you see.If you want to work in VC, you need to be prepared to operate at a relentlessly fast pace, juggling loads of different priorities simultaneously. You must be okay with having frank and honest conversations with both colleagues and founders, often with differing opinions to your own that can ultimately decide the future of their company. And finally, you need to appreciate that you may lose money; both yours and your investors’.A quick anecdote on the subject. Whilst I was gloating about a recent successful investment, an old boss once said to me: “Never believe you’re an alchemist. I’ve learnt it’s better to treat investment success and failure as imposters just the same”. While I’m pretty sure he nicked that last bit from Kipling, it certainly holds true, and in time I learned that losing money feels really, really bad. Just another important reason for taking great care of investors’ moneyI say none of this to dissuade anyone, but instead to share the full journey of the VC – warts and all – rather than simply focussing on the part where you manage to invest in a unicorn (I’m still waiting for that one).If after reading the above you still think it’s for you, then the world of VC can be a wonderful, varied, exciting and stimulating career.<h2> Getting started&nbsp;</h2>So where do you start?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, it’s important to acknowledge that VCs aren’t homogeneous, and generalist funds are becoming fewer and fewer. In the old days, the archetypal VC was an investment banker who had traded his (deliberate use of the male pronoun) suit and tie in for a Patagonia gilet (there are still lots of these chaps about). But thankfully the industry is maturing, and as funds specialise they are hiring relative to those specialisms. If you want to join our fintech team, for example, there’s no doubt you’ll need to demonstrate a passion for and experience in the world of fintech. If you’re looking to join the deep tech team, chances are you’ll have a PhD in something only comprehensible to a select few.This focus on specialism applies more at the earlier the stage of investment. But if you’re interested in the growth stage of VC investing (backing companies with a greater and deeper history), you’ll need to prove your financial analytics skills; if you aren’t competent with the core financials of business, it’s going to be hard to enter the world of growth VC. You might be better choosing a specialism that excites you and diving deeper into that.<h2> Next steps&nbsp;</h2>Once you’ve decided you want to be an early-stage health tech investor, or a growth B2B software investor (like me), then what?&nbsp;&nbsp;First: be tenacious and persevere. It’s highly unlikely you’ll get the first job you apply for. We regularly receive more than 300 applications for every Associate role we post for. We’re looking for specific things, but what might not be right for us could be perfect for another VC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those who get the job tend to have a few things in common. They will often have immersed themselves in the relevant ecosystem, and can articulate what excites them about the sector, and the areas they believe to be most interesting for investment. They might, like me, have become involved in their friends’ start ups, or created a small start up on the side of their main job.It’s much less likely that they will have come directly from a corporate job into a VC role without any previous interest or activity in early-stage VC investing. This experience is essential – but it could be anything, from working with earlier stage incubators as a volunteer, to becoming a renowned blogger on a particular sector.<h2> And if you’ve tried that?&nbsp;</h2>I often tell people struggling to crack VC that the next best step is to join a start up within the ecosystem that compels them. If you’re desperate to be a VC in consumer tech, finding a key role in a young start up, and helping to build a business in that space, will prove that you can talk the same language as founders, and have something to offer to them when you move into your VC career. If you can do it multiple times, whilst also attending relevant VC events and conferences, all the better. I spent almost four years at a start up as the first employee, and many of the learnings I pass on to my portfolio companies still come from that time.<h2> MBA or MB-Nay?&nbsp;</h2>The question of what the ’right’ qualifications to be a VC are is a tricky one to answer. People with prior experience in a corporate role often look to an MBA to help them make the move across into VC. &nbsp;I’ve read many blog posts that delight in calling it a waste of time, and have even heard a few in the sector say the same thing, but I disagree. I undertook an MBA, and it gave me the confidence to be a VC – and the tools to learn more about the ecosystem. An MBA doesn’t offer a steppingstone directly into VC, but what it will do, if you embrace it, is give you opportunities to get involved in relevant projects. Often MBAs also have seed funds and networks in the industry.<h2> Not a straight line&nbsp;</h2>One thing about a career in VC is certain: the journey isn’t linear. Almost everyone I know in VC has a slightly different story, but one thing is consistent: it took real persistence, and often some very good fortune. For me, it meant starting my career multiple times over. Often this was at the cost of a higher salary and more senior operational position. But I knew that was the ladder I wanted to climb.<h2> What I look for when recruiting</h2>As a final thought, I wanted to share what I look for when reviewing CVs for Associate positions. As a growth investor in the B2B software space, we need to see some demonstration of financial analytical skills. Aside from people already working in an investing role, often this will be as an advisor or consultant to tech companies seeking investment, or someone working on the fundraising side of a fast-growing tech business. If I find that, I start looking for a reason the candidate has shown an interest in earlier stage investing. Do they talk about mentorship of small companies, or mention events they’ve attended? Might they even have tried to start their own venture? I’m looking for things that set them apart, and make their CV stand out from the pile. I’m also looking for anything they might bring to the team that we don’t already have, such as a language, or specific specialism. Finally, I like to get an idea on who they are; given Octopus’ B-Corp credentials it’s great to see examples of how that person has given back through charity or non-work related clubs. <hr> If you’re looking for a job in VC, then please do <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link" href="https://octopusgroup.com/careers/listings/">keep an eye on our job boards</a> at Octopus Ventures or sign up to our newsletter. We update it on a regular basis, as there are always new positions becoming available.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scroll down for some further reading on the subject – and I hope this has been helpful! If the qualities and experience I’ve described sound like you, please do apply.&nbsp;<h3>Further reading&nbsp;</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link" href="https://mattturck.com/playing-fake-vc-or-the-portfolio-approach-to-getting-a-job-in-venture-capital-2/">Playing “fake VC” (or the portfolio approach to getting a job in venture capital)</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link" href="https://sifted.eu/articles/first-time-vc-tips/">First-time VC tips for how to break into the industry</a>

In this blog I’m going to share my thoughts on the subject, offer up some hopefully helpful hints and tips, and talk about part of my journey...

How to become a “VC” (and why it took me so long!)

Joining a strategy consulting firm can be an enriching and challenging experience, offering the opportunity to work with top executives and leading companies on diverse strategic projects. However, as with any career choice, there are pros and cons to consider before making a decision. Pros:+ Challenging work with direct application of medicine soft skills: Strategy consulting offers the opportunity to work on complex projects and solve challenging problems. Consulting firms actively recruit candidates with the leadership, teamwork, lateral thinking and problem-solving skills abundant in medical practitioners.+ Growth opportunities: The fast-paced nature of consulting means you will have the opportunity to learn quickly, take on new challenges, and grow professionally by forging a solid foundation to launch into almost any commercial career path.+ Powerful networking opportunities: Strategy consulting firms have large networks of top executives, and a high turnover of employees leaving into other diverse commercial roles, which can provide opportunities for building long-lasting professional relationships.+ Generous financial compensation: Strategy consultants often earn high salaries (typically £70-100,000 for a former junior doctor in a UK office on day 1) and have the potential for significant bonuses.+ Rewarding work: Consulting firms often leverage their enormous resources and significant brainpower to support organisations solving some of the world's toughest problems, from COVID-19 public safety operations to clean energy transition. Some projects are highly innovative pressure-cooker environments where ideas and products are created, refined and applied by diverse teams of brilliant generalists and experts, and can be exciting and fulfilling to contribute to.Cons:- Long hours: Consulting is known for demanding hours, which can be tough on work-life balance.- High stress: The fast-paced, intense and high-pressure nature of consulting, and the high stakes of projects can lead to high levels of stress.- Constant travel: Many consulting projects require extensive travel, which can be challenging for those with families or personal commitments outside work.- Hierarchical culture: Consulting firms may have very hierarchical corporate structures. Most junior consultants are well rehearsed in receiving unwanted phone calls from partners late at night with tall orders for early-morning deliverables. In some projects, junior consultants may feel they have limited visibility about the actual project scope while only the partners really know what is going on. Some consultants report that the political nature of working in a hierarchical organisation sometimes erodes intellectual honesty.- Challenging relationships with clients: Some consulting clients resent and distrust consulting teams. They fear that consultants lean in favour of cutting costs through job cuts. Consultants are often labelled as the "bright ideas club" of outsiders who interfere with unwanted suggestions, and "don’t actually build businesses".- Limited individual impact: Most consultants last only 2 to 2 1/2 years on average before finding a different career path. Realistically, most people, in that time will make a very small percentile change in value to a handful of companies.- Mixed reputation of market leaders' historical performance - While top consulting firms love to promote their CSR contributions and impact projects, they are highly profit-driven enterprises, and mostly privately owned, and therefore unaccountable to shareholders for their activities. Accusations against top firms in recent years include perpetuating opioid addiction in the USA, and facilitating endemic corruption in South Africa and Angola.If you are interested in a top-tier consulting career, James supports candidates with every step of the application process including providing rigorous case-consulting coaching, and free practice resources, of which there is a sample: (the McKinsey Case Book)https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/115m92ctDB2F1DqdR1SlrVCIszjA1U7w1?usp=sharing

Consulting careers are often a favoured and envied commercial exit route for top-performing medicine leavers. This week's transition blog focuses on the rewards, challenges, pros and cons of embarking on a strategy consulting career path.

The Pros and Cons of Consulting Careers

<h2> Introduction</h2>With major tech disruption, post COVID-19 changes, increasing globalisation, etc. the world that we live in is changing rapidly, and so are the industries that we work in. Many clinicians and healthcare workers in the healthcare industry are considering making the switch to the tech industry, and for good reason. The tech industry offers many exciting opportunities to make an impact on a large scale, as well as the potential for a more dynamic career path. In this blog post, I will explore some of the reasons why people are making the move from healthcare into tech, the differences between the two industries, the various roles available in tech for healthcare professionals, and how to make the transition.<h2> Why clinicians and other healthcare workers want to make the move into Tech</h2>The tech industry encompasses any service, product, company, or offerings that leverages technology-intensive products and services. The last decade has seen significant advances in our tech capabilities, impacting all domains from commerce, finance, travel, and healthcare. As a result, numerous healthcare professionals are now contemplating a shift towards the tech industry. Here are some of the prevailing reasons driving this trend: Tech is Exciting: The tech industry is fast paced, constantly changing, and full of innovation. For people who thrive on excitement and novelty, the tech industry is a natural fit. Micro vs Macro Impact: While healthcare professionals make a huge impact on individuals' lives, treating patients can be hard to scale. In tech, however, it is possible to create products and services that can impact millions of people all over the world. Unhappy with Career Progression: In healthcare, career progression can be slow, rigid and dictated bureaucratic governance systems. Tech, by its very natures offers opportunities for growth and advancement, and career paths that are more dynamic. Lifestyle of Job: Some healthcare professionals may find that they are tired of working long hours, commuting to distant location, or having to communicate with many people in a day. Tech roles offer the potential for a more independent and flexible lifestyle. Pay: I was in two minds whether to include pay. While it is simply true that pay can be higher in tech, it is not automatically always true. My recommendation would be to tread cautiously if pay is the only reason you want to transition into tech. There is however a note of caution. While some people may have valid reasons for wanting to switch industries, it is important to remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It is important to carefully consider the decision and weigh the pros and cons. A good example is location. Many tech roles are based in hubs such as London and Manchester, even as a remote worker. As a doctor you can work across the entire UK more easily, including in more rural settings.<h2> Differences between working in Healthcare and Tech</h2>There are many differences between the tech and healthcare industries. Here are a few of the most notable: Clients instead of Patients: A significant difference between healthcare and the tech industry is that while the former entails seeing many patients for a living, the latter typically involves working with a smaller number of clients who are your stakeholders. No Natural Career Ladders: In healthcare, there are often very clear career ladders that professionals can follow. In tech, however, the career path can be less defined and more fluid. Less Hierarchy: In healthcare, there is often a strict hierarchy of authority. In tech, however, there can be less hierarchy and more emphasis flat hierarchies. Less Structure: Healthcare is often highly regulated and structured. In tech, there can be more freedom and flexibility to experiment and innovate. Different Attitudes to Work: Healthcare professionals often have a strong sense of duty and responsibility to their patients. In tech, there can be more emphasis on creativity and individualism. Wide range in pay and work: In healthcare for a given banding you know what each person will be paid, and the expectations for that role. It can be more varied in tech. a data scientist salary can range from £18k to £250k for the same job title, and level of seniority. The role may also vary widely with one data scientist doing more analytics work, another focused on hard maths and statistics, and another working on data pipelines. Tech work is often project work: Most healthcare workers on the shop floor who see patient's will be used to working in a format that focuses on patient care.<h2> Roles in Tech for Healthcare Professionals</h2>It often surprises people to know that most people who work in tech, are not tech workers. That is, they do not know how to code, write software, or develop technological architectures. When I imagine roles in tech,I often split them into three groups or categories: <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/peerr-cea41.appspot.com/o/articles%2Ftransitioning-from-healthcare-into-tech-the-possibilities-are-endless-8y0fdq%2Fimages%2Fai-1.png?alt=media&amp;token=161e1dca-5584-4342-8752-6dce3fece5a4"> These roles will work in a variety of environments including local and regional NHS organisations, NHS Arm’s length bodies e.g., NHS England, Government Bodies e.g., Department of Health and Social Care, Global organisations e.g., World Health Organisations, Research institutions e.g., Our Future Health, Academic institutions, Consultancies, Life science companies including pharmaceuticals and Biotechs (research and development, commercial, medical affairs, market access, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance/drug safety, and clinical development), Medtech companies, Start-ups, Insurance companies, Technology vendors e.g., Microsoft, Medical Devices companies, Health and Nutrition companies, etc.<h2> Making the transition from Health to Tech</h2>On LinkedIn, the most frequent question I receive is how to switch from a career in healthcare to one in technology. The truth is there's no one-size-fits-all answer; everyone's path to the transition is unique. However, there are some commonalities and smart approaches to consider. Your first step should be to take stock; what is your current tech capability and what transferable skills can you leverage? From there you can determine the type of role you're seeking. Are you interested in working in tech but not with tech? Are you interested in coding at a basic level, and producing reports on data insights? Or are you aiming to be a fully-fledged techie, diving headfirst into coding and development work? For those that want to be aware of tech, work in tech, but not code In tech companies, many non-technical positions demand a variety of skills, particularly those related to interpersonal communication. For example, a doctor may leverage their communication and management skills to transition from healthcare-to-healthcare consulting. In some cases, additional training or courses may be necessary to sharpen these skills. It's also worth noting that certain roles may require specific qualifications, which can enhance one's chances of securing such positions. Project managers, for instance, are often expected to have Prince 2 certification, while Scrum Masters may need to possess Agile qualifications such as a Scrum Master certification or Scaled Agile. For those focused on operations, Lean Six Sigma certification may be beneficial, and those in service management may require ITILS. While some consultancies may require an MBA, this decision should be carefully evaluated before pursuing such a qualification. For those that want to do code a little, do some analysis or understand tech better than the average person Bootcamps are held in high esteem in the tech community, and there's an abundance of tech courses available to gain a foothold and learn the fundamentals of coding or data analysis. For a quick and easy way to pick up new skills, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link Link" href="http://www.datacamp.com">www.datacamp.com</a> offers courses that can be completed in just one day. If you're looking for more advanced training, websites like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link Link" href="http://www.coursera.org">www.coursera.org</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link Link" href="http://www.udemy.com">www.udemy.com</a> are great options, although I personally found Datacamp to offer a wider range of skills in a more concise format. There are also part-time government-funded courses and apprenticeships, such as the ones offered by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link Link" href="http://cambridgespark.com">cambridgespark.com</a>, but there are many more online to choose from. In addition, training courses for tools like Python, R, and Power BI can be easily found on the internet. For those that want to be technical coding daily, writing about code daily, or building infrastructure that manages code Making the transition from a patient-facing healthcare role to a fully technical position is undoubtedly a significant and challenging change to undertake. However, it's a common misconception that you must have a degree in Computer Science to become a Software Developer or Data Scientist. While most roles may require some form of technical degree, it doesn't have to be Computer Science. Degrees in Mathematics, Data Analytics, or even Physics or Psychology can be sufficient. In fact, one of the best developers I know holds a master's degree in History. Once you secure your first tech role, the next ones will come more easily, as you'll have tangible experience delivering results. Some people opt to pursue a one year master's program to get their foot in the door, while others choose a 3-6-month bootcamp. There are also many online resources available, including the previously mentioned websites and YouTube channels such as Harvard University's CS50's Introduction to Computer Science and the Free Code Camp (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Link Link Link" href="https://www.freecodecamp.org/">https://www.freecodecamp.org/</a>) channel. To advance to more senior roles, I personally obtained certifications in Azure and AWS, which have greatly boosted my career by demonstrating my competence in technology.<h2> Conclusion</h2>It's concerning how many healthcare professionals express their desire to transition from front-line healthcare delivery to the tech industry. I remember when I made this leap eight years ago, I was the only doctor I knew who wanted to change careers. Today, I'm frequently approached for advice on this matter, which is why I started this blog.However, there is a silver lining to this trend. A well-functioning tech ecosystem led by experts with deep healthcare knowledge has the potential to revolutionise healthcare in the 21st century. Although healthcare and tech may seem like two disparate fields, with the right development, they can work together in perfect harmony to leverage the latest technological innovations to support the NHS, improve the discovery of new drugs, and most importantly, enhance patients' quality of life through better services. Whether you decide to stick with healthcare or make the move to tech, we're all ultimately working for the benefit of patients.

I remember when I made this leap eight years ago, I was the only doctor I knew who wanted to change careers. Today, I'm frequently approached for advice on this matter, which is why I started this blog.

Transitioning from Healthcare into Tech: The possibilities are endless

The Zone of Genius&nbsp;I promised in one of my earlier articles that I would cover this topic, and here it is!&nbsp;Now, I will start by pointing out that this phrase is not my invention. The notion of comparing the “Zone of Genius” with the “Zone of Excellence” comes from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. It is repeated again in The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer et al, and touched on throughout modern history in multiple manager’s handbooks.&nbsp;If it’s not a phrase you’ve heard before, look no further as I attempt to help you digest the notion via this succinct article.<hr>&nbsp;Most people work in one of three ‘zones’:&nbsp;The Zone of Incompetence&nbsp;Simply put, this is when you know you’re not good at, or fully understand it, and you also don’t enjoy it.&nbsp;The Zone of Competence&nbsp;Here you are indeed good at it, but simply don’t like it or find any fulfilment from it. You also recognise that many others are similarly good at it.&nbsp;The Zone of Excellence&nbsp;Here you are not just good at it, you are extremely good at it. It will have taken you a lot of time and practice to reach this point. However, you just don’t really enjoy it or find complete fulfilment from it. It still feels like work or a chore.<hr>&nbsp;Have you ever given up on something because of your self-doubts? Have you ever subconsciously limited yourself? If the Zone of Excellence sounds familiar to you, perhaps you are indeed doing the wrong thing! Don’t just take my word for it…trust in Mr Hendricks.<hr>&nbsp;Now at this point you are probably wondering… how on earth do I reach The Zone of Genius?&nbsp;To get there, you first need to understand the definition:You are uniquely good at it, and you absolutely love it.Several factors come into play when in this zone, and if you recognise any of these, perhaps you have been there already:1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You are utilising your talents, skills &amp; strengths together.2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Time disappears when you are in this ‘zone’, and it feels great!3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You find yourself adding value to yourself and the world around you in this zone.4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Your innate abilities are being utilised (rather than just your learned ones).5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You find ceaseless inspiration and ‘flow’<hr>&nbsp;Here is roughly how to find your Zone of Genius:1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sit somewhere quiet (think of the Danish ‘Hygge’).2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Think about all major projects / activities you involved yourself in over the last year.3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Place each one into a box representing one of the four zones.4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ask yourself these questions from Mr Hendricks: a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “what do I most love to do? (I love it so much I can do it for long periods without getting tired or bored)”b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “what work do I do that doesn’t seem like work?c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “in my work, what produces the highest ratio of abundance and satisfaction to the amount of time spent?”d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “what is my unique ability? (What can I do that others are unlikely to be able to do at this level?)” 5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Be prepared to down or upgrade activities as you go along.&nbsp;I strongly recommend that ‘conscious’ leaders should lead by example as well as encourage all that they work with to perform the above and to find their Zone of Genius.<hr>Good luck! If you ever have any questions or want to go into detail with you personally, feel free to reach out here or via LinkedIn.Dr David Laith Rawafhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrawaf&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reach new heights and become the best version of you both personally and professionally by understanding and aiming for the "Zone of Genius". This article, and the exercise at the end aims to help you achieve this!

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