Hematology requires an understanding of complex biological pathways, from coagulation cascades to the latest in cellular and gene therapies. The intense nature of the work and the evolving healthcare landscape are prompting many hematologists to explore alternatives to a clinical career.
These career paths can allow you to leverage your expertise in new and often lucrative ways. Whether you hope to achieve a better work-life balance, or explore new professional challenges, this article explores some of the most promising roles for hematologists.
Why do hematologists seek alternative careers?
Hematologists manage everything from complex, chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia and hemophilia to aggressive malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. This requires a deep understanding of pathophysiology and the emotional fortitude to guide patients and their families through difficult journeys. Some of the most common reasons hematologists may decide to change course include:
High cognitive and emotional load
The constant exposure to high-stress situations is a significant contributor to physician burnout. “Lack of staff,” can further exacerbate feelings of burnout, according to one hematologist on Sermo.
In a poll asking the Sermo physician community why their peers leave medicine, 26% cited emotional stress and burnout as the primary reason, with another 19% pointing to poor work-life balance. Another Sermo poll revealed that 19% of participants made or considered a career change because of stress and burnout, and 12% sought better work-life balance. “The stress is quite much while [remuneration] isn’t encouraging,” one hematologist and Sermo member shared.
Monetizing complex protocol experience
The expertise that makes clinical hematology so demanding is also what makes hematologists incredibly valuable to other industries. Experience with complex treatments like bone marrow transplants, coagulation management, CAR-T and other novel cellular therapies is a highly sought-after commodity. Biotech, pharmaceutical and genomics companies are often willing to pay a premium for hematologists to guide drug development, clinical trials and regulatory strategy.
Administrative burden
Hematologists often spend a significant amount of unreimbursed time navigating complex Prior Authorizations (PAs) for therapies. This bureaucratic red tape can detract from patient care and add to overall frustration. In the poll asking Sermo members for the main reason physicians leave medicine, 18% cited “too much bureaucracy/administrative tasks.”
Despite the challenges, many hematologists remain committed to the healthcare field. In another Sermo poll, 24% said they are considering a career change but plan to stay within healthcare. “Medicine is my love so any alternative or auxiliary career has to do with medicine, despite the ‘cons’ associated, the ‘pros’ of Medicine still win,” expresses one hematologist and Sermo member.
Diverse alternative careers for hematologists
The unique skill set of a hematologist opens doors to a wide variety of non-clinical hematology jobs. Below are roles that allow you to apply your medical knowledge in a different context, along with their average salaries for U.S.-based positions.
Scientific advisor (cellular/gene therapy)
As a scientific advisor, a hematologist provides expert guidance to biotech or pharmaceutical companies developing new cellular and gene therapies. The role can involve contributing to clinical trial design, interpreting data and advising on research and development strategy. With expertise in areas like CAR-T cell therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, hematologists are perfectly positioned for this work.
Median salary: $178,000 for scientific advisors in general, according to Glassdoor
Regulatory affairs specialist
A Regulatory affairs specialist ensures that new drugs, therapies and medical devices meet all governmental regulations. For hematology, this often involves navigating the approval processes for novel cancer drugs or advanced therapies for genetic blood disorders. Your experience with clinical protocols and patient safety can aid you in ensuring new treatments are brought to market safely and effectively.
Median salary: $111,000, according to Glassdoor
Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
MSLs act as a bridge between pharmaceutical or biotech companies and “Key Opinion Leaders” (KOLs) in the medical community. The role involves communicating complex scientific and clinical data about new therapies. You would engage with other leading hematologists, sharing information and gathering insights to support a product’s scientific platform.
Median salary: $204,000, per Glassdoor
Independent Medical Examiner (IME)
IMEs provides an impartial medical assessment for insurance claims, disability evaluations or legal cases. This could involve evaluating a patient’s degree of impairment from a chronic hematologic condition or providing an opinion on the cause of a medical issue.
Average salary: Varies widely based on case volume, but the average salary is $167,241, according to ZipRecruiter.
Public health (FDA, CDC, NIH)
With a career in public health, you can impact health on a population level. Roles at agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or National Institutes of Health (NIH) can involve drug evaluation, policy development or leading national research initiatives.
Salary Range: Varies depending on the agency and level of seniority.
Flexible and remote careers for hematologists
If a desire for flexibility is motivating your transition, you can consider several remote career options. These roles often provide a better work-life balance while still offering intellectually engaging work.
Utilization Review (UR) for high-cost therapies and transplants
In a Utilization Review role, hematologists work for insurance companies or healthcare systems to review and approve the use of treatments, such as bone marrow transplants or new gene therapies. You would assess the medical necessity and appropriateness of these interventions based on clinical evidence and guidelines.
Average rate: $87,946, according to ZipRecruiter
Tele-hematology consulting
Tele-hematology allows specialists to provide consultations to other physicians or directly to patients. This can involve interpreting complex lab results, advising on treatment plans for rare blood disorders or providing second opinions. It allows you to continue practicing clinical medicine with the flexibility of a remote schedule.
Salary Range: Highly variable, often paid per consult or on a contractual basis, averaging $160 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.
Remote chart review (insurance/disability)
Similar to Utilization Review, this role involves reviewing medical records for insurance companies or government agencies to determine eligibility for coverage or disability benefits. However, in this case you’re reviewing existing medical records rather than proposed or ongoing medical treatments. Hematologist remote chart reviewers focus on cases involving blood disorders, cancers and related treatments.
Average salary: $164,731, according to ZipRecruiter
Medical writing/editing (genomics, clinical trials)
Hematologists can use their expertise to create a wide range of content, from clinical trial documents and regulatory submissions to educational materials and journal articles. Medical writing is a highly flexible career that you can perform on a freelance or full-time basis.
Average rate: $46 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter
Expert witness (DVT/PE, bleeding disorders, transfusion errors)
You can serve as a physician expert witness in coagulation or other hematologic areas. Hematologists are called upon in legal cases to provide expert opinions on topics such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), inherited bleeding disorders or transfusion-related medical errors. This involves reviewing case files, preparing reports and potentially testifying in court. The income can be substantial but is often inconsistent. To supplement, many physicians turn to platforms like Sermo for paid medical surveys for a steady stream of supplemental income.
Average rate: $68 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter
Sermo paid medical surveys as a means to reach your goals
Whether you’re looking to fully transition into a new career or take on a side gig, financial planning is key. The supplemental income from paid medical surveys on Sermo can provide a reliable financial cushion. You can use the extra income to fund a secondary degree, cover the costs of certification courses or provide stability while you explore less consistent opportunities like expert witness work.
The benefits aren’t strictly monetary. While transitioning to a non-clinical role, staying current with clinical practice is crucial for maintaining expertise and credibility. By engaging with the Sermo community and participating in surveys, you can stay connected to clinically relevant topics. The Sermo community provides a space to discuss challenging cases, learn from peers and maintain a sharp clinical edge.
How to make a smooth transition
The demands of hematology, while challenging, forge a high level of expertise. You can leverage your knowledge of complex protocols in a range of high-value alternative careers in biotech, regulatory affairs or the legal sector. By transitioning out of your clinical role, you may achieve greater financial autonomy or professional longevity.
Other hematologists have already taken the plunge, and Sermo provides a community where you can gain their support and swap resources. It also offers the opportunity to learn and earn through paid medical surveys, helping you stay connected to your field while you build the career you want.
