Are you looking for jobs for retired physicians in the USA? If so, you are not alone.
According to a report from AMA Insurance, the largest percentage of physicians retire between the ages of 65 and 70. However, retirement may not be the end of your career. Many retired doctors choose to pursue part-time or alternative jobs that allow them to use their skills, experience, and passion for medicine in different ways.
Whether you want to continue practicing medicine, teach the next generation of doctors, or contribute to the healthcare system in other roles, there are many options for you to consider.
In this article, we will explore 10 of the best jobs for retired physicians in the USA, based on the demand, flexibility, and satisfaction they offer.
Table of contents
How to Prepare for Retirement as a Doctor
Retirement planning is an important aspect of any physician’s career. However, it can be challenging to decide how much to save, where to invest, and when to retire. To prepare for retirement, doctors should follow some basic steps, such as:
- Start saving early and consistently, using a variety of retirement accounts, such as 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA.
- Set a realistic retirement goal, based on your expected income, expenses, and lifestyle.
- Review your employment contracts, insurance policies, and medical licenses, and make any necessary adjustments or arrangements.
- Seek professional advice from a financial planner, an accountant, or a lawyer, who can help you with your retirement plan and tax strategies.
By following these steps, doctors can ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.
See also: 15 Best Physician Consulting Jobs: Consulting Careers & Job Opportunities
10 Jobs Retired Physicians Can Do in the USA
Below are various job options for retired physicians in the USA.
#1. Locum Tenens Doctor
One of the most popular jobs for retired physicians is to work as a locum tenens doctor. This means that you work as a temporary or substitute doctor for a short period, usually ranging from a few days to a few months. You can choose to work in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or rural areas, depending on your preferences and availability.
Locum tenens doctors are in high demand, especially in underserved areas or during peak seasons. Working as a locum tenens doctor can help you maintain your clinical skills, earn extra income, and enjoy the flexibility and variety of working in different places. You can also use this opportunity to travel and explore new locations.
However, you will need to keep your license and credentials up to date and be prepared to adapt to different work environments and cultures.
#2. Health Care Administrator
Another job option for retired physicians is to work as a healthcare administrator. This is a non-clinical role that involves managing and overseeing the operations, finances, and quality of healthcare services. You can work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or healthcare organizations.
As a healthcare administrator, you can use your medical knowledge and leadership skills to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system. You can also influence the policies and regulations that affect the healthcare industry.
Working as a health care administrator can be rewarding and challenging, as you will have to deal with complex problems and diverse stakeholders. You will also need to have strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
See also: Physician Assistant Job Description Template
#3. Consultant
If you have specialized expertise or experience in a certain field of medicine, you can work as a consultant for various clients, such as legal firms, healthcare facilities, or pharmaceutical companies.
As a consultant, you can provide your professional opinion, advice, or guidance on specific issues or projects. For example, you can help with medical malpractice cases, facility or managerial changes, or drug development.
Working as a consultant can be lucrative and flexible, as you can set your own rates and schedule. You can also choose the projects that interest you and match your skills. However, you will need to have a strong reputation and network, as well as the ability to market yourself and your services.
#4. Writer and Editor
Another job option for retired physicians is to work as a Writer or Editor.
If you have a flair for writing and editing, you can work as a writer and editor for various medical publications, such as journals, magazines, or websites.
As a writer and editor, you can create, review, or edit content related to medicine, health, or wellness. For example, you can write articles, blogs, books, or newsletters. You can also edit manuscripts, reports, or proposals.
Working as a writer and editor can be creative and fulfilling, as you can share your knowledge and insights with a wide audience. You can also work from home or anywhere you want, as long as you have a computer and an internet connection.
However, you will need to have excellent writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to research and verify information.
See also: How Much Does An Orthopedic Doctor Make?
#5. Community Volunteer
If you want to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others, you can work as a community volunteer for various nonprofit organizations, such as health clinics, hospices, or shelters.
As a community volunteer, you can provide free or low-cost medical care, counseling, or education to people in need. You can also participate in fundraising, advocacy, or awareness campaigns. Working as a community volunteer can be meaningful and rewarding, as you can help improve the health and well-being of your community.
You can also meet new people and make new friends. However, you will need to have a passion and commitment for the cause, as well as the ability to work with limited resources and challenging situations.
#6. International Volunteer
One job option for retired physicians is being an International Volunteer.
If you want to travel and experience different cultures, you can work as an international volunteer for various humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, the World Health Organization, or the Red Cross.
As an international volunteer, you can provide medical care, relief, or assistance to people in developing countries or regions affected by war, disaster, or disease. You can also support the local healthcare workers and systems.
Working as an international volunteer can be adventurous and eye-opening, as you can see and learn new things. You can also make a positive impact on the world and humanity. However, you will need to have a high level of adaptability and resilience, as well as the ability to cope with harsh and unpredictable conditions.
See also: 15 Best Places To Retire In North Carolina | 2023
#7. Hospitalist
If you still want to practice medicine in a hospital setting, but with less stress and more flexibility, you can work as a hospitalist. A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients, usually in internal medicine or family medicine.
As a hospitalist, you can work in shifts, usually ranging from 12 to 24 hours, and have a fixed number of days off per month. You can also choose to work part-time or full-time, depending on your availability and preferences.
Working as a hospitalist can be convenient and satisfying, as you can focus on patient care, without having to worry about administrative or outpatient duties. You can also collaborate with other hospital staff and specialists. However, you will need to have a broad and updated knowledge of medicine, as well as the ability to handle complex and diverse cases.
#8. Telemedicine Doctor
If you want to leverage technology and innovation, you can work as a telemedicine doctor. A telemedicine doctor is a doctor who provides medical care, consultation, or education to patients remotely, using phone, video, or online platforms.
As a telemedicine doctor, you can work from anywhere you want, as long as you have a device and an internet connection. You can also set your own hours and fees, depending on the platform and service you use.
Working as a telemedicine doctor can be convenient and accessible, as you can reach more patients and provide more timely and personalized care. You can also reduce your overhead and travel costs.
However, you will need to have a license and credentials in the state or country where you practice, as well as the ability to use and troubleshoot technology.
See also: 17 Best Reasons for Leaving a Job in 2023
#9. Teacher
Being a teacher is another job option for retired physicians.
If you want to share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of doctors, you can work as a teacher. You can teach undergraduate health sciences, such as biology, anatomy, or physiology, at a college or university. You can also teach medical students, residents, or fellows at a medical school or hospital.
As a teacher, you can design, deliver, and evaluate courses, lectures, or workshops. You can also mentor, advise, or supervise students. Working as a teacher can be stimulating and rewarding, as you can inspire and influence future doctors.
You can also keep learning and growing as a professional. However, you will need to have a degree and certification in the subject you teach, as well as the ability to communicate and engage with students.
#10. Researcher
If they want to contribute to the advancement of medicine and science, retired physicians can work as a researcher. You can conduct research in various fields of medicine, such as clinical trials, epidemiology, or biotechnology, at a university, hospital, or research institute.
As a researcher, you can design, conduct, and analyze experiments, studies, or surveys. You can also publish, present, or apply your findings.
Working as a researcher can be challenging and exciting, as you can discover new things and solve problems. You can also collaborate with other researchers and experts.
However, you will need to have a degree and training in the field you research, as well as the ability to secure funding and follow ethical and regulatory standards.
See also: 15 Best Places To Retire In Texas | 2023
How to Find and Apply for Jobs for Retired Physicians
Finding and applying for jobs for retired physicians can be a daunting task, especially if you have been out of the workforce for a long time. However, there are many resources and opportunities available for you to explore. Some of the steps you can take are:
- Update your resume and cover letter, highlighting your skills, experience, and achievements as a physician.
- Network with your former colleagues, peers, and mentors, and ask for referrals or recommendations.
- Search for jobs online, using websites such as Indeed, SimplyHired, or AMN Healthcare, which specialize in jobs for retired physicians.
- Consider working as a locum tenens doctor, which allows you to work as a temporary or substitute doctor in different settings and locations.
- Apply for jobs that match your interests, qualifications, and availability, and prepare for the interviews.
By following these steps, you can find and apply for jobs that suit your needs and goals as a retired physician.
See also: 10 Best Islands in the World to Retire on in 2023
FAQs
Many physicians wait to retire until their late 60s or 70s, but if you’re considering an early transition to retirement, you’re not alone. Nearly 30% of physicians retire between 60 and 65 years old, and 12% retire before 60, according to survey research conducted by AMA Insurance Agency Inc., a subsidiary of the AMA.
From your start as a physician through retirement, you receive competitive pay and generous benefits that add to the satisfaction of a career based on giving back to those who have given so much to the nation.
By the time physicians reach their forties, it is very possible to achieve millionaire status, with some physicians even becoming multimillionaires. This trend continues with doctors in their fifties, with 60% of physicians’ worth at least $1 million.
Most physicians and surgeons work full-time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients.
Conclusion
Retirement does not have to mean the end of your career as a doctor. There are many jobs for retired physicians in the USA that can suit your interests, skills, and goals.
Whether you want to continue practicing medicine, teach, consult, write, volunteer, or research, there is a job for you. You just need to explore your options and find the one that works best for you.
Working after retirement can help you stay active, productive, and fulfilled, as well as earn extra income and make a difference in the world.
References
- Money.howstuffworks.com – 10 Jobs for Retired Doctors
- Ama-assn.org – 4 must-dos before physicians retire
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