Curious about a flexible, high-paying nonclinical career that still uses your medical expertise? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Keagen Hadley, an occupational therapist who built a successful career in regulatory medical writing without ever stepping into clinical practice. Dr. Hadley shares how he discovered this little-known field while working in clinical research, the persistence it took to break in, and why regulatory writing can be such an appealing option for physicians seeking flexibility, meaningful work, and strong earning potential. We also explore what regulatory writers actually do, who tends to thrive in this role, how AI is impacting the profession, and practical strategies for getting started. If you enjoy structure, attention to detail, and helping bring new therapies to patients, this conversation may open your eyes to an exciting career path you hadn't considered.

• What regulatory medical writing is and its role in drug, biologic, and device development
• The personality traits and skills that help people succeed in regulatory writing
• Dr. Keagen Hadley's unconventional path from occupational therapy to a thriving writing career
• How physicians can break into the field through networking, recruiters, and strategic positioning
• Compensation, flexibility, and career growth opportunities in regulatory writing
• How AI is influencing regulatory writing and why human expertise remains essential
• Resources, training recommendations, and practical advice for exploring this career path

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode251

The Clinician's Guide to Regulatory Writing | Keagen Hadley | Substack

Keagen Hadley | LinkedIn

Targeted Regulatory Writing Techniques: Clinical Documents for Drugs and Biologics by Wood and Foote

6 Month Road Map to Becoming a Regulatory Writer by Keagen Hadley

Regulatory Medical Writing Masterclass

Medical Writing Resource Guide – This 11-page guide gives you an introduction to medical writing as well as links for courses, books, websites, and tips for exploring this diverse area. Includes steps you can take whether you want to do medical writing as a side gig, or work full-time as a freelancer or an employee.

Land Your Dream Job With LinkedIn: 5 Steps To Get Started – Following these 5 tips will help you optimize your profile, connect and network with others, and have success applying to jobs on LinkedIn!

Thank you for listening!

What happens when two physicians take their own career crossroads experiences and turn them into a mission to help others? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Mandy Armitage and Dr. Morgan Leafe share how their individual transitions from clinical medicine led to the creation of the Nonclinical Physicians Network and their first in-person conference for physicians exploring careers beyond traditional practice, taking place October 17–18, 2026, in Philadelphia.

• Dr. Armitage's and Dr. Leafe's journeys from clinical medicine into medical writing and consulting
• How a shared passion for helping physicians navigate career transitions led to the creation of the Nonclinical Physicians Network
• Why in-person networking and community can be transformational for physicians exploring nonclinical careers
• What attendees can expect from the Nonclinical Physicians Network Conference, October 17–18, 2026, in Philadelphia
• Common fears and misconceptions that keep physicians stuck in careers that no longer fit
• The importance of networking, accountability, and building connections outside of medicine
• Encouragement and practical advice for physicians considering a career change but unsure where to start

You can find the show notes for this episode and more information by clicking here:

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode250

Nonclinicalphysiciansnetwork.com

Nonclinical Careers Conference: October 17–18, 2026, Philadelphia. Early bird pricing expires July 15, 2026.

From Clinical Practice to Medical Writing Guide

Episode #16 – 5 Steps to Becoming a Medical Writer with Dr. Mandy Armitage

Episode #128 – No Residency Needed – Opportunities for Physicians in CME Writing with Dr. Morgan Leafe

Thank you for listening!

Could locum tenens be the career option that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and renewed purpose in medicine? In this episode, Dr. Trevor Cabrera shares how choosing locums right out of residency opened unexpected doors and helped him rediscover why he became a physician in the first place.

• Why Dr. Trevor Cabrera chose locum tenens immediately after residency instead of a traditional physician job
• Common misconceptions about locum tenens and the realities of working as a locums physician
• Who is eligible to do locums and important credentialing considerations
• How to find reputable locums agencies, evaluate recruiters, and choose the right opportunities
• What to expect with compensation, scheduling flexibility, and contract negotiations
• The personal and professional benefits of practicing in different communities across the country
• How locum tenens can provide career clarity, reduce burnout, and create space for future career decisions

www.doctorscrossing.com/episode249

Dr. Trevor Cabrera's LinkedIn Profile

NALTO National Organization of Locum Tenens Organization

www.TheNomadicPediatrician.com

Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, time management, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you're feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself! And if there's anything we can do to help, feel free to reach out to us at team@doctorscrossing.com.

Thank you for listening!