March 20, 2019 | 5 min read
Clinicians: Do You Have What It Takes To Take Advantage Of Digital Health Opportunities?

Stephanie

Digital health has the power to disrupt the healthcare industry. From 3D printing to big data analytics, tech companies are developing and launching new solutions that are transforming the way care is delivered. As healthcare organizations make greater investments in digital health, we’re only going to see more tech companies move into the healthcare industry.

“Already valued as a billion-dollar industry, we are seeing new startups and big players like Amazon and Apple get involved in digital health,” says Katie Niekrash, Vice President at ES Healthcare, a division of The Execu|Search Group. “This is creating new opportunities for clinicians to move beyond the confines of a traditional healthcare setting, increase their earning potential, and get in on the ground floor of organizations changing the industry.”

Read also: Digital Healthcare: A Wide Range Of Opportunities For Professionals

If you are interested in exploring new opportunities in digital health, you need to prove that you have what it takes to make the move to a more technology-oriented role. While your clinical skills and administrative experience certainly give you the foundation needed to make this career transition, prospective digital health companies will be closely evaluating your technical proficiency throughout the hiring process.

Here’s what it takes to make the cut:

A complete and professional LinkedIn profile

You risk missing out on opportunities in digital health if you are one of the many healthcare professionals who don’t utilize LinkedIn. “Digital health companies will immediately check LinkedIn after they receive a resume, so a complete and professional LinkedIn profile is a must,” warns Katie. “If your profile is out-of-date, inaccurate, or worse, non-existent, a prospective employer might think that you don’t care about your digital presence. This can be a deal breaker in such a technology-focused field.”

Before applying to jobs, make sure you have mastered the top LinkedIn profile essentials for healthcare professionals such as a professional photo, a summary, and detailed experience.

Strong writing skills

General computer skills, such as proficiency in an EMR system and Microsoft office, are almost a given. What many people don’t realize, however, is just how important your writing skills are to success in digital health. “Some roles require practitioner to communicate with patients via text messaging platforms, so many employers will want you to take a writing test,” explains Katie. “They want to ensure you can write professionally and clearly before moving forward with you in the process.”

Knowledge of video conferencing technology

In a similar vein, digital health companies often utilize video conferencing technology. To ensure you are proficient in programs such as Skype, Facetime, or Zoom, some employers will set up preliminary video interviews. To help you make a great first impression, you’ll want to ensure you double check your connectivity, you’ve picked a good location, and you’ve muted distracting notifications.

Read also: 5 Ways To Master A Video Interview In 2019.

The ability to think out of the box

Since digital health is such a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, people who work in this field need to be able to adapt to change and think on their feet. “Many of my clients will ask brain teaser questions,” says Katie. “Some will even test candidates on their ability to deal with a changing environment. For example, an interview originally set to take place in the office will be moved to a coffee shop once the candidate arrives. The point is to see how the candidate would handle a task they were not told they’d be doing or a situation they weren’t prepared for.”

Subscribe to the Tandym blog

Get our latest job search and career insights delivered straight to your inbox

Related Resources