From Scrubs to Startups: Transitioning from Clinical Practice to HealthTech

The HealthTech industry is growing at a rapid pace, and clinicians are uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to this field. Throughout our time in the HealthTech sector, we've witnessed numerous healthcare professionals successfully transition from clinical practice to thriving careers in HealthTech. Bridging their clinical background with specific digital health education and training, this shift not only offers exciting new challenges but also the opportunity to impact healthcare on a broader scale. In this article, we'll explore the journey from clinical practice to HealthTech, offering insights and advice for those considering this career pivot.

Why Clinicians Are Valuable in HealthTech

Before diving into the 'how', let's address the 'why'. Clinicians bring invaluable insights to the HealthTech sector:

• Deep understanding of healthcare processes and pain points

• First-hand experience with patient care and clinical workflows

• Credibility and trust within the healthcare community

• Ability to bridge the gap between technical solutions and clinical needs

Key Steps for a Successful Transition

1. Identify Your Transferable Skills

As a clinician, you already possess many skills that are highly valued in HealthTech:

• Clinical expertise

• Problem-solving abilities

• Communication skills

• Empathy and patient-centred thinking

• Experience with healthcare regulations and ethics

2. Fill the Knowledge Gaps

Expanding your clinical background with new tech focused skills will help you to make the transition, such as:

• Educating yourself on the latest AI developments through Curistica’s AI-specific HealthTech workshops publicised on our newsletter

• Basic coding or technical literacy such as FutureLearn’s many courses on coding and tech

• Follow podcasts such as Healthtech Pigeon, RSM Digital Health, Dev and Doc and Healthusiasm 

• Product development methodologies, such as Product School, who provide product management courses and certifications

• Business and entrepreneurship fundamentals through institutions like Bayes Business School where Curistica founder Dr Keith Grimes is a visiting lecturer

• Data analysis and interpretation through The Health Foundation who offers resources and training on data analytics in healthcare

• Exploring HealthTech industry-related fellowships such as those offered by Bitelabs.

3. Network and Build Connections

Building your knowledge and sharing information through networking is crucial in the HealthTech world:

• Attend HealthTech conferences and events to hear from thought leaders, such as the BMJ Future Health Event in November who we have partnered with. You can receive 20% off tickets for the BMJ Future Health Event using code INNOVATION20.

• Join online communities and forums, such as One HealthTech which is a volunteer-led community supporting diversity in healthtech.

• Connect with other clinicians who have made the transition to HealthTech at events such as GIANT, who Curistica is partnering with

• Research HealthTech companies and startups, and look for jobs on tech-specific platforms like Otta or use LinkedIn to join relevant LinkedIn groups such as "Digital Health" or "Healthcare Innovation"

• Follow HealthTech thought leaders, including the Curistica blog which features insights from industry leaders and updates on the latest HealthTech trends

4. Gain Practical Experience

Look for opportunities to get hands-on experience:

• Participate in hackathons or innovation challenges, such as the NHS HackDay which has its next event on 12-13 October at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

• Consult for HealthTech startups through our Clinical Talent Consultancy for clinical subject matter experts

• Contribute to open-source healthcare projects, such as OpenMRS’ open-source medical record system used worldwide.

• Consider part-time roles or fractional roles in HealthTech companies by searching on LinkedIn

Challenges You Might Face

It's important to be aware of potential hurdles:

• Cultural shift from clinical to corporate environments

• Learning new technical skills and jargon

• Adapting to different pace and work styles

• Working in cross-functional teams with non-clinical colleagues

• Opening your mind to considering new and unconventional solutions to healthcare problems. 

• Explaining to friends and family just what kind of doctor you are becoming!

HealthTech Roles Suited for Clinicians

There are numerous roles in HealthTech where clinical experience is highly valued:

• Clinical Consultant or Advisor

• Product Manager

• Clinical Safety Officer

• User Experience (UX) Researcher

• Health Informatics Specialist

• Chief Medical Officer (for startups or scale-ups)

How Curistica Can Help

At Curistica, we specialise in providing our clients with experienced clinical subject matter experts, bridging the gap between clinical expertise and HealthTech innovation. We also provide thought leadership on the topic of innovation in HealthTech through our blog, newsletter and LinkedIn, so connect with us and join the conversation.

Are you a clinician considering a move to HealthTech? Or a HealthTech company looking to integrate clinical expertise into your team? Contact Curistica today to explore how we can support you.