From ER to C-Suite: Burned-Out Doctors Seek Better Balance and Salaries

In the face of burnout, long hours, and emotional toll, many doctors are trading their scrubs for suits, seeking better work-life balance and higher salaries in corporate boardrooms. According to a recent study, nearly half of physicians are considering leaving their current practice within two years, with one in three planning to reduce work hours in the next 12 months (Sinsky, 2021). The trend is driven by a combination of factors, including better hours, less stress, and competitive salaries in chief medical officer (CMO) roles.

Better Hours and Less Stress

One of the primary reasons doctors are leaving clinical roles is the desire for better work-life balance. CMO roles often offer more predictable schedules and fewer on-call shifts, allowing physicians to spend more time with their families and pursue personal interests. For instance, Dr. Lisa Shah, who left clinical practice to become a CMO at Twin Health, cited the desire to work on a larger scale and help more people as a motivating factor (Shah, 2025).

Competitive Salaries

CMO roles also offer competitive salaries, comparable to those of doctors but without the brutal hours and stress associated with clinical roles. According to ZipRecruiter, CMOs earn around $275,000 per year, which is comparable to a doctor's salary (ZipRecruiter, 2025). This financial incentive, combined with the improved work-life balance, makes CMO roles an attractive alternative for burned-out doctors.

Growing Demand for Medical Expertise

As the health tech industry booms, more companies are hiring doctors to provide medical expertise. This trend is expected to continue, with the industry projected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2032 (Rock Health, 2025). Tech giants like Google and Salesforce have already hired CMOs to focus on employee health and product development. This growing demand for medical expertise in corporate roles is pulling more doctors away from clinical practice.



Industries Attracting Physician CMOs

Specific industries and sectors are most likely to attract physicians as CMOs, leveraging their unique skills and expertise. These include:

1. Health Tech: Companies like Twin Health and Forge Health are hiring physician CMOs to provide clinical legitimacy and develop products that meet medical needs.
2. Tech and Startups: Tech companies and startups are hiring CMOs to provide medical expertise and grant products a clinical, medical legitimacy.
3. Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies: These companies often hire physicians as CMOs to leverage their clinical expertise in product development, regulatory affairs, and clinical trials.
4. Insurance Companies: Some physicians are attracted to insurance companies, where they can evaluate claims and provide clinical insights.

Challenges and Drawbacks

While CMO roles offer many benefits, they also come with challenges and drawbacks. Physicians may miss the direct patient contact and relationships they had in clinical roles. Additionally, CMO roles may offer less opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest clinical developments and may feel less connected to the clinical aspects of medicine.



Conclusion

The trend of burned-out doctors leaving clinical roles for corporate boardrooms is driven by a combination of factors, including better hours, less stress, and competitive salaries in CMO roles. As the health tech industry grows and more companies seek medical expertise, this trend is likely to continue. However, it is essential to address the challenges and drawbacks of CMO roles and ensure that physicians are well-supported in their new roles. By doing so, we can help retain talented doctors in the workforce and improve the overall healthcare system.

Recommendations

1. Encourage healthcare organizations to prioritize physician well-being and work-life balance.
2. Promote open communication and collaboration between physicians and administrators.
3. Foster a culture of recognition and appreciation for physicians' contributions.
4. Invest in professional development and leadership opportunities for physicians.
5. Encourage healthcare organizations to consider the unique needs and preferences of physician CMOs.

By implementing these recommendations, we can help address the root causes of physician burnout and create a more supportive and engaging work environment for doctors in both clinical and corporate roles.