Careers in Family Medicine: Key Takeaways (Part 1) Career Trajectory & Mentorship

I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from a variety of family physicians in our Careers in Family Medicine blog series—each with their unique path, insights, and wisdom. We still have a few more stories pending, and I’ll share those as they’re ready.

This week, I’m stepping back to reflect on a few common themes that emerged over the past four months. Despite the diversity of practice settings, passions, and pivots, a few threads clearly wove their way through these stories.

1. The Career Squiggle

Shoutout to Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, who coined this brilliant term at the Brave Enough Women Physicians Conference. (If you ever get a chance to hear her speak—or attend BE—do it.)

The “career squiggle” is that twisty, unexpected, non-linear path so many of us take. We may imagine a straight trajectory from residency to retirement, but reality? It looks more like a scribble.

And here’s the key insight:
The squiggle doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong. It is the journey.

Of the 15 physicians I’ve featured so far:

• Only 4 remained in their first post-residency jobs.

• Even among them, 3 pivoted significantly within their role, navigating changes in leadership, payment models, mergers, retirements, or organizational culture.

Why did others make a change? Reasons varied, but patterns emerged:

• An unplanned opportunity aligned with their passions

• Patient care models that didn’t feel sustainable

• They didn’t feel valued

• Toxic workplace culture

• Misalignment between organizational and personal values

• Financial viability concerns

Some have cared for multiple generations in one community; others made their mark through leadership, policy, and education. Every path added value.

Bottom line:
Family physicians thrive in uncertainty. We’re adaptable. We’re resilient. We’re built for VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity). And we are essential voices in shaping the future of healthcare.

So embrace the squiggle, even if it’s squiggling in place.

Coaching Reflection
What changes for you if you accept that the trajectory may be a squiggle?

• What pressure might you release?

• What options open up?

• What could your own squiggle look like?
  Even if you’ve stayed put geographically, what story do you want to tell about your path—and how might that shift your joy in the journey?

2. Mentorship & Sponsorship

Nearly every story in the series pointed to this:
Mentors matter. Sponsors matter. They are often the invisible hands behind confidence, clarity, and courageous next steps.

Here’s what some of our featured physicians shared:

“Fortunately, I had mentors who reminded me why I was interested in medicine.”
“I cannot overemphasize the importance of mentors… they encouraged me to be courageous and stretch beyond my perfectionistic and fixed mindset.”
“They inspired me, helped me when I felt lost, and gave me the push I needed.”
“Having a mentor to talk through things was invaluable.”
“We need more diversity in leadership. Find a sponsor, don’t be shy. Let others know your interests.”

I’m a big fan of the personal board of directors—a group of mentors who speak to different aspects of your life, not just your career.

Bottom line:
If you're navigating complexity or craving clarity, mentorship and sponsorship can be the catalyst.

Coaching Reflection
Who’s on your board?

• Is there someone you need to reconnect with—or finally reach out to?

• What narrative are you telling yourself that’s stopping you?

• Could you let go of the belief that you have to wait to be picked?

Remember: the worst they can say is no. This is too important to leave to chance.

As usual, I underestimated how much I wanted to say. 😊

Coming Next Week: Fulfillment & Joy
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where I’ll share some of the recurring advice and perspectives around joy, fulfillment, and meaning in this career.

Until then, have a joy-filled week.
—Tonya