How to transition back into clinical practice after a career break

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By Daniel Pye

Returning to clinical practice after an extended break could seem daunting, however there are steps that doctors can take to move smoothly back into working life.

When Dr Sarah Jacques returned to work after a 2-year career break, she thought back to how she felt when she was a newly qualified GP.

“I remember getting nervous for taking a 2-week holiday,” she says.

However, when she returned from the extended break, she slipped back into her doctor role easily. “I realised I could remember a lot more [than I thought],” she said. “I genuinely felt I would have forgotten stuff. It comes back quite easily after all that time.”

Doctors who have been out of clinical work for a long time may feel apprehensive about returning. “It’s good to have apprehension before going back,” Dr Jacques says. “Take it slowly,” she adds, “don’t have high expectations of yourself.” She suggests finding support and steadily building up the number of consultations after returning to work.