An article written by Anita Fletcher, published with her permission.

Anita Fletcher
Helping Doctors Attain Their Ideal Roles Using A Career Plan & Tools to Face Any Interview Panel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitafletcher/

“I’m always struck by how many fascinating options abound for people who have undertaken medical education and training.

In former times, becoming a doctor meant seeing a few patients within the local proximity – visiting patients in their homes or seeing them in one work location, either in a small practice or a larger hospital environment.

Now there is such a rich diversity of employment and life experiences, many fascinating options, within and outside conventional medical settings.

We’re all patently aware of how innovation across many areas within our societies has fundamentally changed how the entire world works and how we all connect seamlessly with people everywhere.

For me, one of the fundamental innovations that triggered so many of the changes that have occurred was the development of the space program, particularly since the 1960s. Of course, the American moon landing in 1969 is one that springs to mind for so many people, so let’s start there.\

In 2018 I was fortunate to take my son to the Kennedy Space Centre in Orlando, Florida from where this mission was launched. As he was completing his high school and contemplating his next moves in his life, I wanted to inspire him to see what is possible through vision, education, teamwork and courage. And a slide rule. The guide there explained that the program was designed and carried out with the simplest of technologies – the pencil and the slide rule. https://medium.com/@jhoward31415/how-the-slide-rule-got-us-to-the-moon-426299ea1f43

Whilst there, and a few weeks later at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the study of the effects of space travel on astronauts caught my attention. This aligned with my understanding of what space medicine entails. However, since then, I have learned that there are so many roles within the space industry that call for medical expertise and an interest in technology. Many doctors I know have an interest in both.

Two recent examples that I found on the Careers In Space website were Occupational Doctor with Airbus and Flight Surgeon for Virgin Galactic – the world’s first commercial space line. https://www.careersin.space/candidates/find-a-job/#s=1

A long way from the practice or hospital ward.

For doctors and those in other sectors with an interest in technology, the possibilities are endless.”

Anita Fletcher
Helping Doctors Attain Their Ideal Roles Using A Career Plan & Tools to Face Any Interview Panel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitafletcher/