Know more about roles for doctors in clinical administration…
Positions Available for Doctors in Clinical Administration
Roles in clinical administration for doctors involve becoming a Medical Director or the Manager of the Claims Department.
As a Medical Director within the industry, doctors will be expected to oversee the medical claims processing of the healthcare partners and medical providers, provide medical advisories, present health talks to corporate clients, and assist in the setting up of policies and guidelines for medical claims.
As the Manager of the Claims Department, a doctor will be required to do medical claims processing from steps A to Z. That is, from the time the patient sets foot in the hospital, receives the guarantee letter, up till the time the patient is discharged from the hospital. The Manager’s expertise is to determine whether a case can genuinely be covered by insurance.
Advice to Doctors Considering a Career in Clinical Administration
At the present time, this market is saturated with job applications from healthcare workers including nurses and pharmacists. “In a day, we easily get about 10 job applications,” says Dr. Jasman. Therefore, it is crucial that doctors equip themselves with relevant experience in the field. But gaining that experience is challenging as the industry rarely opens its door to doctors lacking in experience.
As mentioned earlier, obtaining additional qualification is crucial. Attending relevant short courses are also helpful. This indicates initiative. Volunteering in medical organizations convey the impression that a doctor has a good attitude. Attending MFM’s Diverse Careers for Doctors Webinars indicates that doctors are serious about their career change and are upskilling themselves. Such initiatives will certainly be noticed by potential employers.
Personality Traits Needed in the Industry
A doctor entering the field must not expect that he/she would be listened to like they were in clinical medicine. In clinical medicine, nurses and other healthcare workers hang on a doctor’s every word. In clinical administration, doctors will meet people from varied backgrounds such as corporate personnel, finance, sales, marketing etc. Being open-minded, flexible, and adaptable is important for success in the industry. Humility is an important character trait needed for the job.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Clinical Administration
Unlike clinical medicine, a career in clinical administration offers doctors a work-life balance. It’s usually 9am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday job. Doctors are free to focus on their families and extracurricular activities after work hours.
The salary and benefits are attractive compared to a doctor serving in clinical medicine who has the same level of training and years of service.
Dr. Jasman stated that he was deeply satisfied with his present career-life but did note that there could be some sleepless nights. A practicing doctor, once he/she clocks out, has basically disengaged from work. In clinical administration, there might be some sleepless nights thinking of new projects, trying to find solutions to problems which are common in workplaces such as people problems etc., and thinking of ways for continuous improvement of policies and guidelines for medical claims.
Doctors, Disruptive Doctors hopes that you have gained much from Dr. Jasman Haris’ insight and experience in the field of clinical administration.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the doctors Disruptive Doctors has interviewed and are based entirely upon the information provided to us by them. Disruptive Doctors is not responsible for any inaccuracy of the information conveyed to us.
