| Careers in Health Care
Hosted by Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.
clinical psychologist and worklife consultant
Monday, April 15, 2002; NOON EDT Want to get a job in health care but don't know where to begin? Have great experience just not in the medical field? Talk to Lynn Friedman about it. Lynn Friedman, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, in private practice in Bethesda, Maryland, who specializes in worklife and organizational consultation and psychotherapy. She provides individual consultation, leads worklife groups, and consults organizations on change management. Disclaimer:
Lynn Friedman does not provide psychological or work-life advice to any specific individual. Rather, the content is intended to be for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns regarding a psychological or worklife difficulty, seek professional evaluation. Do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of anything that you have read on this show. The transcript follows below. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Good morning. It's great to be here today to talk about careers in the health care professions. I am Lynn Friedman, Ph.D. a clinical psychologist with a specialty in work-life consultation. I practice psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and work-life/organizational consultation in Bethesda, Maryland. I am here today to answer your questions about the array of careers in the health care professions. Let's get started.
Woodbridge, Va.: I want to get into the health care field very much. I was browsing the health care jobs for a while but nothing seems to fit me. I have a MA degree in linguistics (I'm bi-lingual), have a 15+ year experience in the international field, technical writing skills (I'm currently employed as a Publications Specialist with an IT company), knowledge of computers. How do I break into the health care field? Any suggestions? Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: This is a broad, very general goal. You can best achieve it by getting as specific as possible. What would you like to do in the health care field? What draws you to it? How do you know that you are interested? What sort of day to day tasks do you envision yourself doing? Have you spent a day trailing any health care professional? Have you had long discussions about health care with any health care professionals? Are you willing to go back to school? Or, do you prefer to pursue this goal without subsequent education.
These are all very important questions to answer. Feel free to follow-up with answers either today or at the health care message boards where I can be reached.
Incidentally, hospitals and health care organizations do hire people in their communications and computer departments -- and, with your work history that may very well be a placed to get started.
Also, if you are interested in clinical care -- being a doctor or a nurse, for example, your bilingual background may very well give you a competitive advantage. Best of luck to you.
20005: Hi Lynn, thanks for the chat. I graduated with a B.A. in political science two years ago, but have now realized that what I actually WANT to be is a dietician. So, if all works out according to plan, I'll be enrolled in UMD's B.S. program for this fall. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, because I'm going to have to take 20 classes or so - and they're all science courses with labs and everything. Do you have any advice as to what I can do to make this transition back to school a little easier? Should I try and work a little during the year to offset student loans? In your opinion, is it worth taking out loans for a BS in dietetics? I'm just wondering, because with hindsight, I'm quite glad I don't owe any money on my poli. sci. degree. Thanks! Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: These are all very personal decisions. My thought: before taking out loans and embarking on such a rigorous course, check out your choice very carefully. Here's what I would do. Devote a week to following a dietician -- through the day-to-day tasks and paperwork. See if you actually like what they do. Interview 5 dieticians on their work-life and salaries. Ask, how did you get into this line of work? What do you like most about it? What do you like least about it? What is the compensation look like?
Also, contact their national organization -- and, obtain a salary survey. -- Then, do the math and see if the debt makes sense to you. Best of luck to you.
Gaithersburg, Md.: I have a BS degree in Health Services Managment and all my experience is in customer service. I want to get in the health care field somehow but no one will give me a chance because of lack of experience. How can I get my foot in the door? I would like to work in the health care field but in the business setting. Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: People create their own opportunities. Here's how I would do it. First, I would examine the health care/business options. Exactly what is your dream job? You need to pin it down as specifically as possible. Detail exactly what you would like to do. And, detail exactly what you have to offer and why you would be good at it. With those specific pieces of information, it will be much easier to coach you. Feel free to write back to the message boards with the answers to these questions. It's like shopping -- it's a good idea to go to the grocery store with a list. Best of luck to you.
washingtonpost.com/jobs: Hi everyone, sorry, Lynn is having some connection problems on her end. Sorry for the delay, back to you soon.
New York, NY: Hello Lynn I am physical therapist in New York City interested in possibly relocating to the Washington DC area. What resources and strategies would you recommend to get information on the DC job market for physical therapists? I would be particularly interested in Web sites, newsletter, trade publications, etc. - resources that give "insider" information. Thanks Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: This is a common question -- asked by people from all professions. It would be helpful to know something about your background. How many years of experience do you have? What sort of PT do you want to do?
Here's some generic advice. Washington, in some ways, is a very insular place. Like NYC, everyone wants to live here. Employers have had the exp. of having people live out of town -- only to get burned when they change their minds.
So, coming in from the outside is difficult unless you have a unique background. That being said, here's what you should do. First, get a cell phone with a D.C. area code. That will suggest that you are an insider. Also, get a local address. Use a friend's address for example. In this way, you can talk to folks as if you are already here. When something promising comes up you can jump on the train.
I suggest that you contact your national org. and local chapters to get your local listserves. I have more to say about this, so feel free to write me back.
Jobs: Ok, everyone, she's back online. Sorry for the delay. Thanks for your patience!
Upper Marlboro, Md.: What types of undergraduate degrees are better suited for preparing one for a mental health career? ced
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Hi. This is a great question. It depends on exactly what you want to do? An MD provides a medical background. A Ph.D. provides a background in psychotherapy, testing and research. These degrees take several years to complete. If you are seeking to do exclusively therapy you may want to consider a masters in social work, counseling or nursing -- many of these degrees can be completed in two years or less.
Washington D.C.: I am interested in the field of alternative health and would like to know what graduate degree paths you would recommend. I have considered a masters in nutrition as well as an osteopathy degree. I did not take any science for science majors in college. What is the best source of info on post-baccalaureate science programs and getting financial aid/scholarships for this level of education? Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Osteopathy is a great degree -- it is a medical degree -- and not really so alternative -- although they are ahead of the curve with respect to incorporating body/mind considerations. If you complete it you will be a real, bonifide medical doctor. Your best source of information is your pre-med or health care advisor at your former college. If you moved out of state, set-up a telephone counseling session. Best of luck to you.
Fairfax, Va.: I am a recent graduate from a doctoral program in clinical psychology. I have experience in individual psychotherapy and testing with children and adults. My ultimate goal is to be licensed and work in a private practice setting. For now, I am willing to work in a variety of settings in order to continue building on my experience and gain hours toward licensure. I have been looking since December for jobs in our field and am having great difficulty identifying opportunities. To date, I have relied mainly on applying though job sites and have even tried cold calls to practices in the DC area. I have had very little success with this approach and would greatly appreciate your thoughts on how I might approach the job search differently to get better results. Thanks so much for your time! Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: You need some help focusing your search and your networking. Here are some sources of information to consider: your former faculty, your former internship supervisor and/or a career coach who is specifically knowledgeable about clinical psychology. Also, check out the APA web site www.apa.org and check out the psychology section on my web site for some beginning tips. http://www.drlynnfriedman.com. Having moved here myself a few years ago, I know how tight the market can be. But, once you have a position, I think that you will find that this is a great place to practice.
The key to the search is to define your ideal job as precisely as possible. Then, articulate why you would be great for it. Also, talk with your faculty about your situation and seek their advice. I have a lot more to say about this. So, I hope that you will write back to me at the message boards, here at the Post. Best of luck.
Washington DC: I am considering getting into the medical field. In your opinion, what aspect field is most in demand right now? Thanks in advance.
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: My bias: don't ask where the demand is. Ask yourself what you enjoy most. As you go through your training network and actively focus on establishing relationships that will lead to jobs. Demands change -- if you go with your interests, at least you'll find yourself doing something that you enjoy.
Gainesville, Florida: If I am a licensed certified nursing assistant in the state of Florida, what do I need to do to get licensed in Maryland? I plan on moving up in the fall. Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Your first step is to contact the Maryland state licensing board. They will tell you exactly what you need to do. Best of luck to you. I love it here. I hope that you will, too.
Williamsburg, Va.: HI!
I am a Senior Biology major graduating in May and looking for a job in public health/medicine that I am qualified for! Any suggestions about where to look? I would love to get some clinical experience as I decide about attending med/grad school!
Thanks! Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Well, if you are looking in Washington, and your grades are good, why not consider and IRTA fellowship at NIH. It's a very cool place to work in that it is a learning environment. They actually have courses for their fellows and it is a great place to get networked.
Rockville, Md.: I have a question about switching careers. I've been working in HR for the last 10 years and I've found that I have a knack for helping people. I want to go into psychiatry but I think I'm too old to go through all that schooling. Is there something else I can do that I can make a decent living but still do what I love to do which is to help people with their personal problems? What about worklife counseling? What's that area like?
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Yes. First of all, I don't know how old you are. But, medical students are getting older and older and better and better. My best friend from college went at 40 and she was NOT the oldest in her class. I think the record is help by someone pushing 50. That having been said, here are some other options. Getting a graduate degree in organizational development allows you to do organizational consultations -- you can work to make organizations healthy. You might want to consider a degree in clinical psychology -- hardly fast but at least you are not burning the midnight oil with being on-call. A masters in social work or counseling will allow you to do therapy, too.
Because of the individual nature of your situation, you may want to consider career consultation with someone knowledgeable about these fields. Alternatively, you might consult your colleges health professions advisor -- if you have moved, set-up a telephone appointment. Best of luck. Feel free to write back to me at the message boards here.
Takoma Park: Lynn, I'm interested in doing mental health advocacy. Do most hospitals in the area employ on site patient advocates? What is a good approach to take when looking to network in this area? I have a masters in sociology and I've been involved with NAMI for several years. Thanks! Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Many hospitals do employ patient advocates but these are extremely difficult positions to get because there is usually only one per hospital. Here's what I would do -- first of all, I would consider making the case to pitch yourself to a hospital who hasn't yet considered the benefits of this idea. Patient advocates can prevent lawsuits and build goodwill in the community. Also, consider approaching HMO and/or insurance companies -- again, you need to present yourself as someone who can help build good will and prevent law suits -- if indeed you think that you can do this.
These positions are competitive and there are a lot of ways to serve -- consider becoming a lobbyists or working for a staffer at one of the mental health advocacy offices. APA, NASW and a number of mental health organizations employ people in these capacities. Best of luck to you.
Annapolis, Md.: Are there nursing positions targeted to support operating room activities? Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Yes. These are called OR nurses.
Washington, D.C.: I was just wondering what you think about acupuncture. Do you think it's a legitimate career? I was thinking of going into that field, but I hear different opinions about whether it's respectable field or not.
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: I would investigate it very carefully. My bias would be to become a health care professional -- and, then seek acupuncture training as something to add to your arsenal of skills. But, these are very personal choices. Try going joining the national organization and the local chapters and ask this question about people in the field. Talk to people in the field, ask them how they got started. What do they like most about it? What do they like least about it? What would they advise someone just starting out to do.
Arlington, Va: Hi Lynn, I'm interested in going to grad school for art therapy. What do you think of the field? Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: It's a great field troubled by terrible cutbacks. My advice would be to get a masters in social work and add art therapy as a second degree. Choose a social work school that also has an art therapy program. Take all of your electives within art therapy. In that way, when you go to pursue the art therapy degree, you will already be partly there. As a social worker you can get licensed in most states.
Arlington, Va.: I am considering a dramatic change in my career path from creative work to clinical psychology. What are your recommendations for someone like me who is considering such a change? How do graduate programs, especially professional psychology schools, regard candidates with great, but different work experience? Thanks! Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: To get into most traditional psychology programs you will have to complete the requisite course work -- 1-2 courses in statistics, 2-3 courses in experimental psychology, 1-2 courses in research design, and you will need to do some clinical research with a faculty member. If you complete the requisites your background will be seen as an advantage in some places and as irrelevant in others. I suggest that you seek out the former. I have more information about how to get in to clinical psychology on my web site.
Charlottesville, Va.: I'm looking for a job in the national defense industry, specifically intelligence. With all of the increased funds that are being allocated, who is hiring in D.C. for these careers and how quickly will they be bringing on staff? Thanks for the time and attention.
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: I do hear that there is a lot of hiring going on. Also, a lot of military personnel have been deployed there.
I don't know the answer to this question. However, many of our experts at the Washington Post message boards may. I suggest that you post it there -- and, get their reaction.
Best of luck to you.
North Olmsted, Ohio: Tell us about a recent situation where you feel you really made a difference in somebody's life because of your expertise in Clinical Psychology. Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: Basically, there are a lot of ways in which I feel that I make a difference -- I help patients figure out how they are going to solve their problems in psychotherapy. In psychoanalysis, I help patients change the very trajectory that their life is on -- that is, for example, I can help patients understand why they are always choosing partners who aren't worthy of them -- so, that they can do something about it.
Perhaps one of the most gratifying things that I get to do as a speaker and as a work-life consultant is to help people figure out what they would like to do with their lives.
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.: That's all for today folks. You've been a great audience. You asked great questions. Thank you for your time and your patience with the technical difficulties. Feel free to write back to me at the Post message boards.
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.
Clinical psychologist, work-life consultant, writer and public speaker
http://www.drlynnfriedman.com
(301) 656-9650
washingtonpost.com/jobs: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion. Did you know that you can follow more than one Live Online discussion at the same time? Just open another browser window and toggle back and forth between discussions! And, if you miss one, catch up with the Live Online transcripts. Keep up with the latest in news, sports, politics and entertainment with washingtonpost.com e-mail newsletters. NEW! Personalize your Post with mywashingtonpost.com. Get customized news, traffic, weather and more.
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