Endocrinologists often face a combination of high administrative burdens and lower compensation relative to other specialties. Both can lead them to search for a different professional path, as illustrated by endocrinologists’ discussions on Sermo. “Sometimes, the stress coupled with the lack of free time with the family and the low economic remuneration forces doctors to look for other alternatives,” writes one U.S.-based member, while another Sermo member and endocrinologist cites the stress that endocrinology work entails and “a very low salary” as their reason to seek alternative options.
A third endocrinologist blames frustrations with upper management. “I would guess that a number of doctors are getting out of medicine due to the inability to practice medicine properly,” they share. “Too much dictating from on high as to exactly how to treat patients.”
If these frustrations sound familiar, the good news is that your specialized knowledge is valuable outside of traditional clinical settings. From high-impact corporate roles to flexible consulting work, numerous endocrinologist alternative careers offer better pay and more manageable hours. This article explores some of the most promising non-clinical jobs for endocrinologists.
Lucrative alternative career options for endocrinologists
Your deep understanding of metabolic disorders, diabetes and hormonal health is a major asset in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and insurance industries. These sectors offer lucrative non-clinical endocrinology jobs that allow you to leverage your medical expertise in a corporate environment.
Chief medical officer (CMO)/medical director in MedTech
The explosion of MedTech, particularly in diabetes management, has created numerous jobs in endocrinology. Companies developing Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), insulin pumps, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) platforms need medical leaders to guide their product development and clinical strategy. As a CMO or medical director, you would be the clinical voice of the company, ensuring products are not only technologically advanced but also safe, effective and user-friendly for patients and providers. This role often requires strong business acumen and leadership skills, and so some physicians pursue an MBA to complement their medical degree.
Median salary: $392,000 (for CMOs generally, although not specific to MedTech), per Glassdoor
Executive medical director/global medical affairs
In this senior leadership role, you guide the clinical and scientific strategy for a pharmaceutical or biotech company. You might oversee clinical trials, shape drug development, and navigate regulatory pathways, especially for groundbreaking diabetes and obesity therapies. As an executive medical director, you act as the internal medical authority, ensuring that all company activities are scientifically sound and clinically relevant.
Median salary: $280,000, according to Glassdoor
Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
As a Medical Science Liaison, you serve as a link between a pharmaceutical company and leading physicians, also known as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). In this field-based role, you engage with fellow experts to discuss new research, gather clinical insights, and provide education on emerging hormonal and metabolic drugs. An MSL role offers a dynamic work environment with significant travel and networking opportunities, allowing you to influence medical practice on a broader scale. If you want to land a role as an MSL in, for instance, diabetes medicine, you can become a stronger candidate by earning a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credential or speaking at Continuing Medical Education (CME) events to showcase that you can engage with KOLs.
Median salary: $204,000, according to Glassdoor
Medical review officer/utilization management
In this role for an insurance company or healthcare system, you assess the medical necessity and appropriateness of treatments. You would review complex cases, particularly those involving high-cost specialty endocrine drugs or advanced diagnostic procedures, to ensure they align with evidence-based guidelines. This position allows you to apply your expertise to impact healthcare utilization on a systemic level, ensuring patients receive appropriate care while also managing costs.
Median salary: $142,000, according to Glassdoor
Regulatory affairs specialist
In regulatory affairs, your primary responsibility is to ensure that all drugs, devices and diagnostic tools meet the stringent compliance standards set by bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You interpret complex regulations and prepare documentation for submissions. While some positions may require additional training, such as a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), your endocrinology expertise gives you a significant advantage in this field.
Median salary: $111,000, according to Glassdoor
Locum Tenens
While still a clinical role, locum tenens offers a different way of practicing medicine that can feel like a career alternative. It involves working in temporary positions at various hospitals or clinics, and you can maintain control over when and where you work. One reproductive endocrinologist on Sermo calls the arrangement a “win-win.” The added flexibility can provide the breathing room needed to explore other non-clinical interests or simply recharge.
Salary Range: Varies significantly by location, but often pays a higher daily rate than permanent positions.
Flexible and remote endocrinologist careers
If autonomy and flexibility are your main priorities, a variety of roles can provide a better work-life balance. These options often allow you to work from home and set your own hours.
Diabetes technology consulting
This role allows you to provide expert advice to CGM and insulin pump companies, typically on a contract basis. Your real-world can help inform product design, improving usability. As a consultant, you can help shape the next generation of diabetes technology while enjoying the freedom of project-based work. In an internal poll on Sermo, healthcare or pharma consulting was the alternative career path that physicians were most interested in, with 53% of votes (note: participants could select multiple answers.)
Endocrinology expert witness
Endocrinologists’ knowledge is also sought after in the legal field. As an expert witness, you provide medical opinions for cases involving potential malpractice, such as delayed endocrine diagnosis or mismanagement of diabetes. This work is typically paid by the hour and can be done on a part-time basis alongside other professional activities.
Endocrinology freelance medical writer
If you have a talent for writing, you can create a wide range of content, including scientific publications, regulatory documents and CME materials. Your expertise ensures the content is accurate and credible. Freelance medical writing offers flexibility and can allow you to build a portfolio of work in one of the more creative non-clinical endocrinology jobs, while also giving you the opportunity to share your medical knowledge at a wider scale than in clinical practice.
Endocrinology tutoring
Sharing your knowledge with the next generation of physicians can be rewarding. You can tutor medical students, prepare them for board exams or create online courses. Many universities offer part-time or adjunct faculty positions that allow you to teach without the full-time commitment of an academic career.
Endocrinology virtual care
Telehealth roles were the second most popular choice in the Sermo poll, selected by 48% of respondents. As a virtual endocrinologist, you can offer remote consultations for patients, particularly for chronic disease management. Virtual platforms eliminate the overhead of a physical practice and offer the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Endocrinology clinical research
You can participate in or lead clinical trials within a private practice setting. This not only provides an additional revenue stream but also offers the opportunity to contribute to medical advancement. Because endocrine disorders—such as diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, thyroid disease and metabolic disorders—require long-term management, pharma companies frequently need clinicians who treat these patients every day to run Phase II–IV trials.
Sermo as a means for achieving future goals
The path to a career change can feel isolating, but you can tap into a global community of peers ready to support you. Sermo is more than just a social network for physicians; it’s a resource for professional growth and a platform for supplemental income.
By participating in Sermo’s paid medical surveys, you can earn extra cash for your insights on new treatments, medical devices and healthcare trends. This supplemental income can provide a financial cushion while you explore alternative career paths or help to fund additional training like an MBA or RAC certification. The surveys are designed to be completed quickly, respecting your limited time as a medical professional.
Beyond the financial benefits, Sermo is a place to connect with more than a million verified physicians worldwide. You can ask for advice, share experiences and learn from colleagues who have successfully navigated their own career transitions. Whether you’re curious about the day-to-day life of an MSL or seeking tips on starting a consulting business, your peers on Sermo can offer their real-world perspectives.
Your takeaway
While the challenges of clinical practice are real, so are the incredible opportunities that lie beyond it. The rise of chronic diseases like diabetes coupled with rapid advancements in MedTech has created a robust demand for endocrinologists in non-clinical roles. Your expertise is an asset, and there are countless ways to leverage it for a more fulfilling and financially rewarding career.
During a transition, you can benefit from strategic networking and peer support. When you connect with colleagues who have made similar moves, you can receive guidance and discover new opportunities. Join Sermo today to swap insights, gain support and take the first step toward a career that works for you.
