Like most who find their way into medical school I was the prototypical student. I finished at the top of my class in high school, then as a pre-medical student I navigated all the pre-requisites for applying to medical school (i.e. standardized test, personal statement, shadowing, research, etc.). Going through the interview process, I became convinced, more than ever before, that I was going to stay in academia. As I went through my medical training I even came to the point where I just knew I would be a surgical oncologist.
As time passed, to my surprise, I actually realized that I was more interested in addressing the issues of the healthcare system itself than working to provide direct patient care. I decided to pursue a master’s degree alongside my current training in order to better understand how clinical research played a driving role in the pharmaceutical and medical device business world. It was at that time that I knew I wanted a career that would better allow me to play a role in the thinking, strategizing, and advising of the decision makers and thought leaders in the life sciences. While I wouldn’t be directly involved in patient care I would be influencing the environment and resources that ultimately would impact the quality of the therapy they received.
While the journey to this point might have seemed smooth lets be clear… “It wasn’t!” As one could imagine, medical school doesn’t really train you to be a life sciences consultant. While it does provide you with a unique skill set in terms of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, etc. it doesn’t provide you with business acumen and healthcare policy fundamentals, nor does it prepare you for case and behavioral interviews, or teach you how to properly format a business style resume. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I received my fair share of side-eye, quizzical looks, and demeaning retorts when I told clinicians and colleagues I wasn’t going down the usual track towards residency. I write this to share with others who are pursuing this rewarding career via a non-traditional pathway as an advanced degree candidate, that it is doable and worth the long journey. I believe that the lessons I share are ones all can benefit from, but especially those who are coming from non-business backgrounds.
1. Don’t be afraid to follow your passion wherever it leads you.
When I decided to follow my passion and consult on healthcare and life science cases and advise companies and provider groups on how they can be the best version of themselves, I knew I was behind and I mean really behind. I had barely heard of a case or behavioral interview, didn’t have a business style resume, nor did I really have any idea when applications were due and what made someone competitive for one of these coveted jobs. So for the next several months my full time job was learning about all of it. I read all the major books, blogs, and resources out there. I was inserting mental math into every aspect of my life. I went through my network of friends and spoke with everyone who had done consulting at some point so that I could get their insight and advice. And as you can imagine, I was using every tool at my disposal to find case partners; some were even in other countries. I say this to emphasize the importance of being passionate and excited for an opportunity no matter what you have to go through to get it.
2. Create your own path.
Like most things in life, there is no set pathway or trajectory that will always get a specific outcome. In the pursuit of that goal you have to be willing to take risks. To say my fiancé was apprehensive when I told her that I was pursuing management consulting instead of residency would be an understatement. What it meant to our future was that I was going to try and pursue a job that I had no experience with and initially knew very little about at the expense of an opportunity that I had been training for my entire life. On the same note, for me, to shy away from an incredible opportunity because it is “different” than what most do wasn’t being true to myself.
3. Know your priorities.
Similar to any major decision you make in your life, its key to know and be confident in your priorities. Know what makes you tick, what excites you, and what you love. I knew that I would enjoy being in boardrooms and the office more than the operating room and clinic. I was ready to give up being on night shift, call, and having to do hospital medicine. As you make your own decision to pursue consulting and what firms to work at you’re going to have to weigh factors such as traveling requirements, possibly working in industries you aren’t familiar with, and the inevitable steep learning curves. I would encourage everyone to let those priorties guide you when thinking about what kinds of firms you want to work for MBB, boutique firms, etc.
Summary
The path to consulting can be a winding road for anyone, with a number of highs and lows, regardless of his or her background. It’s important to be confident in yourself and know what’s most important to you as you pursue this new and exciting career.
Kevin Anderson is a graduating medical student at Duke University School of Medicine and will be starting at LEK Consulting later this year. He’s most passionate about healthcare redesign, patient engagement, and the life sciences. His free moments are spent traveling and enjoying sporting events with his wife and daughter.
Image: Pexels
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