Getting creative with your career

CREATIVITY and medicine don’t always go hand in hand, but the events in recent years have shown the world that health care is a highly adaptable space and health care professionals are full of ideas on how to get things done when an overhaul of traditional practices is needed.

One group of particularly creative health care professions forms Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM), a community of doctors with an interest in pursuing less traditional paths in their professional and personal lives. CCIM predates the chaos that the medical world has faced over the past 2 years and was founded by Dr Amandeep Hansra in 2018. “The tribe”, as it is affectionately known, has grown to an almost 15 000 strong group of medical creatives.

At the heart of CCIM is a vision “to support and equip professionals with the courage, confidence and skills to take control of their career and forge their own unique path”. The group aims to guide doctors towards their passions by advocating for professional freedom.

• Podcast with Dr Alisha Dorrigan: Voice of the GP Episode 1

The annual CCIM Conference took place over the weekend of 14–15 May and was themed “Adventuring into the unknown”. It kicked off in apt fashion, with organisers making the last-minute, and presumably difficult, decision to switch from a hotel conference event to a wholly virtual experience due to COVID-19-related concerns. And so, attendees watched a series of speakers in the comfort and/or chaos of their living rooms and home offices – reminiscent of much of the past 2 years.

Despite the last-minute pivot to online only, the “unknown adventure” did not disappoint with a host of impressive speakers sharing personal stories that were often unexpectedly honest and deeply moving. Health care leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, executives, writers, podcasters and editors graciously took attendees on a journey through the not so often acknowledged challenges that take place behind the scenes.

The one and only dancing-singing-comedy-doctor Ahmed Kazmi was first on the virtual stage, sharing his beautiful tale of creativity as therapy, reflecting on the highs and lows of being a GP, dermatologist and performer to boot.

Dr Clare Wood, an occupational and environmental physician, spoke candidly and eloquently about the power of saying no and the hard choices faced by all doctors, but especially women, when navigating a career path that can at times feel overwhelming. She reminded attendees that their job is just that, a job, and the boundaries that come with employment should be reflected on and respected in whatever way works for each individual. Clare’s reminder that wanting to spend Sundays on the couch doing absolutely nothing is as valid a reason as any to not do overtime was a refreshing take on work–life balance that is oftentimes missing in the medical profession.

The formidable Dr Jillian Farmer recounted her journey of going from a “shop-front GP” through to Medical Director at the United Nations. Her advice was short and sharp, “you can’t fly if you never leap off the cliff”, and to the women contemplating leadership roles, “just trust yourself and punch through”. Dr Farmer also encouraged letting go of the 10-year plan and embracing what she called a “zigzaggy career”.

While perhaps not the networking opportunity many (including myself) had hoped for due to the limitations of virtual events, and the disappointment of missing out on Dr Ahmed Kazmi entertaining the audience with some live singing-dancing-comedy, CCIM 2022 delivered. From editors to writers, health tech entrepreneurs to digital health leaders, disability advocates to financiers, there was a little bit of everything.

The “zigzaggy” careers undertaken by the extraordinary mix of speakers were equal parts interesting and inspiring. The diversity on the stage was uplifting, with sessions broaching topics that included racism, colonisation, identity and privilege. There was a richness of experiences shared through the variety of voices given a platform through CCIM that is too often missing at medical conferences. That’s perhaps because well trodden paths are less inviting and accessible to diverse groups and individuals who are choosing to forge their own path and have found a sense of belonging within CCIM.

While there was a definite focus on forging ahead with new and exciting career options, CCIM 2022 was also a reminder to slow down, reflect and remain connected with those around you. Adventuring into the unknown is not just about putting your best foot forward and trying new and exciting things, it is also about having honest conversations and meaningfully connecting with people you may not have otherwise. It was an opportunity to learn about the person behind the social media or LinkedIn profile, and to remember that we are all on a journey that is indeed full of zigzags.

Acknowledgments: Thank you to CCIM for providing a media pass to attend the virtual conference

Dr Alisha Dorrigan is a Sydney-based GP and deputy medical editor for the Medical Journal of Australia.

The statements or opinions expressed in this article reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy of the AMA, the MJA or InSight+ unless so stated.

Subscribe to the free InSight+ weekly newsletter here. It is available to all readers, not just registered medical practitioners.

If you would like to submit an article for consideration, send a Word version to mjainsight-editor@ampco.com.au.