Let’s talk about something most medical professionals quietly avoid: business.
We’re not trained to think about visibility, personal brand, or strategy.
We’re trained to think about anatomy, outcomes, and exams.
From day one of medical school, the focus is clear:
- Study
- Pass
- Practice
- Progress
And the end goal? Consultant level.
That’s the finish line, right?
Except… it’s not.
Because what nobody really explains is that consultant is just a new starting point — not the end of the journey.
Here’s the reality most doctors discover too late:
You can be an excellent surgeon. Highly skilled. Well-trained. Respected by colleagues.
And still miss out on opportunities.
Not because you’re not qualified.
But because you’re invisible outside the system that trained you.
And it’s not your fault. We were never taught to think about:
- Positioning
- Marketing
- Communication strategy
- Value-based branding
- Leveraging what we know beyond clinical settings
We’re taught that our job is to work hard, stay humble, and let our CV speak for itself.
But in today’s world — that’s not enough.
The Gap Between Clinical Skill and Career Growth
There’s this assumption that once you become a consultant, the doors will open.
Private work will come. Your name will be known. You’ll be offered speaking gigs, leadership roles, or collaborations.
But the truth is — most of those doors don’t open automatically.
They open for people who:
- Built a name before they arrived
- Positioned themselves clearly
- Learned how to present their work with confidence
- Treated their skill set like a brand, not just a job description
Without those things, you end up relying solely on your NHS title — hoping someone will find you, value you, and offer you something.
But hope is not a strategy.
Why Surgeons Need a Business Mindset (Even If They Never Run a Business)
Let’s be clear: You don’t need to open a private clinic, launch a startup, or sell a course to think like a business owner.
Business mindset is about understanding how to:
- Clarify what you offer
- Communicate that value
- Attract the right people (whether patients, peers, or collaborators)
- Make intentional career moves that align with your long-term goals
This mindset helps you build a career that’s not just busy — but intentional. One where you're in the driver’s seat, not just following the rota.
What Business-Minded Doctors Do Differently
They don’t wait until they’re consultants. They don’t wait until they’re “ready.”
They build early. Quietly. Consistently.
They ask:
- “What do I want to be known for?”
- “How can I show up in a way that reflects that?”
- “What’s the long game here — and am I preparing for it?”
They’re not louder. They’re just clearer.
They build networks. They share insights. They create visibility.
And when opportunities arise — they’re already top of mind.
Why Most Doctors Avoid This (And Why You Shouldn’t)
Doctors hesitate to talk about business, branding, or visibility because it feels… uncomfortable.
We tell ourselves:
- “I’ll focus on that later.”
- “That’s for private practice.”
- “I’m not trying to be an influencer.”
But let’s reframe it.
This isn’t about becoming famous. It’s about becoming findable.
You’ve already done the work. Why hide it?
Having a plan for how you present yourself professionally doesn’t take away from your integrity — it amplifies it.
You’re not selling yourself. You’re making your value visible.
Final Thought
Clinical skill is essential.
But on its own, it’s not enough to build a fulfilling, high-impact career.
The surgeons who grow, lead, and stay in control of their path are the ones who learn how to think like professionals and entrepreneurs — even inside the NHS.
- They understand the long game.
- They start building early.
- And they don’t wait until “consultant” to figure it all out.
If you want to create real career freedom — whether that’s more private work, a clearer professional identity, or just more control over your future — start thinking differently now.
Because no one else is going to market your value for you.
When you're ready to take this seriously but don’t want to figure it out alone:
I’ve created two practical tools based on real-life experience to help surgeons like you build clarity, visibility, and long-term career growth:
✅ The LinkedIn Playbook for Surgeons For those who want to start showing up online in a professional, confident, and strategic way — without wasting time guessing what to post.
✅ Monetize Your Knowledge as a Surgeon A step-by-step guide to help you turn your experience into real value — whether through teaching, writing, consulting, or building something of your own.
Both are made with one goal in mind:
To help surgeons grow beyond the OR
without burning out.
