ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Two physicians who left clinical medicine — one from pediatrics, one from sports medicine — talk with host Lillian Liang Emlet about building nonclinical careers in medical writing and beyond. Dr. Morgan Leafe and Dr. Mandy Armitage, co-founders of the Nonclinical Physicians Network, unpack the identity shift of stepping away from clinical practice and how to separate real financial concerns from assumptions holding physicians back.
Chapters and Timestamps
01:08 Meet the Nonclinical Docs
03:25 Early Doubts and Turning Points
07:06 Identity Beyond the White Coat
11:27 Finding Medical Writing
15:43 Mindset Shifts for Transition
18:56 Why Build a Network
23:15 First Steps and Research
25:21 Money Fears and Reality Check
29:50 Inside the Philly Conference
34:47 Where to Find Them
Guest Details
Mandy Armitage, MD
Portfolio career physician trained in PM&R and sports medicine
Transitioned from clinical practice into medical writing, editing, medical communications, continuing medical education, and patient engagement
Held strategic/leadership roles as Medical Director for companies including Doximity and GoodRx
Coaching physicians into nonclinical careers, especially medical writing, since 2015
Author of From Clinical Practice to Medical Writing: A Career Transition Guide
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Nonclinical Physicians Network
Morgan Leafe, MD, MHA
Double board-certified in pediatrics and clinical informatics, with 11 years of clinical practice
Leads three ventures: medical writing (CME content, advisory boards, physician-facing articles), career strategy (resume reviews, interview coaching, LinkedIn workshops, keynotes), and the Nonclinical Physicians Network
Co-founded the Nonclinical Physicians Network online community and its annual in-person conference
Mentioned in This Episode
Nonclinical Physicians Network — www.nonclinicalphysiciansnetwork.com
Nonclinical Career Conference, Philadelphia, PA — October 17–18, 2026
Career coach Heather Fork
The former in-person conference "Seek," where Mandy and Morgan first met
Listener questions and topic requests: podcast@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com
Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare
Subscribe and Listen on:
Follow us on:
For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call.
Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.
