Guiding Healthcare Professionals into Life Sciences Careers
Many physicians, nurses, and PhDs find themselves searching for new career directions when their daily work no longer brings satisfaction. The life sciences industry (LSI) offers exciting opportunities, but information about clinical roles, what they involve, how to pursue them, and which ones might fit best, is scattered and often outdated.
Why TurnkeyMD Advisors
Learn directly from an MD with 20+ years of industry experience
Gain clarity on career paths, roles, and expectations in life sciences
Receive tailored guidance on CVs, interviews, and career strategy
Build confidence in navigating the transition from clinical practice or academia
About
Dr. Nathan E. Bachtell
Dr. Bachtell began his career at UCSF School of Medicine, followed by a residency in internal medicine and a master’s in management at Harvard Extension. Early on, he was an attending at a teaching hospital but ultimately transitioned into the life sciences industry (LSI), where he has now spent more than 20 years.
His primary focus has been clinical development, complemented by roles in medical affairs and pharmacovigilance. He has worked across small molecules, biologics, devices, cell and gene therapies, and combination products, in settings rangixng from early-stage startups to global pharma, rising to senior executive positions (SVP, CMO). His therapeutic area focus has ranged across neurology, rheumatology, cardiovascular and allergy/immunology. This breadth has given him perspective on how providers can adapt and succeed regardless of background experience.
What motivates Dr. Bachtell most is working with others and creating opportunities for learning. When he first transitioned into the LSI, he had no exposure to other practitioners who had walked that path. Now, with decades of experience, he wants to offer the support he once needed, helping clinicians and scientists understand the options and lifestyle available in this industry.
Above all, he believes that those with direct patient-care training bring irreplaceable insight to life sciences: an understanding of what patients truly feel and need that most other pathways cannot provide. That perspective is what makes them invaluable to advancing patient-centered innovation.
Services
TurnKeyMD provides healthcare professionals with a private, practical, and supportive space to explore options in the LSI. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your career or considering a later-stage transition, TKMD helps you
Understand available roles and which best fit your background and personality
Build confidence in interviews and negotiations
Strategize around CVs and job applications
Navigate the emotions of leaving your current role (“going to the dark side” is a common myth)
Most importantly, TKM provides someone who not only understands but also genuinely cares about what you might be going through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Healthcare professionals with bedside patient care backgrounds (MDs, nurses, PAs, therapists), PhDs in biomedical sciences, or anyone seeking to understand clinical roles in the life sciences industry. Even those without direct patient care experience can benefit if they want insight into clinical-focused roles.
No. TKMD does not provide direct job placement services. Our focus is on helping clients understand roles within the life sciences industry (LSI). For those just beginning, we provide an overview of opportunities and career paths. For clients further along, such as those refining their CVs or preparing for interviews, we offer targeted feedback and guidance aligned with TKMD’s services.
Books and articles are of course helpful but can give outdated or overly general information. Speaking directly with someone who has made the transition, advanced through the industry, and hired for these roles can be more efficient, providing perspective you won’t find in print, and can respond to questions specific to your circumstance.
Dr. Bachtell transitioned from clinical practice into industry, rising to senior leadership roles (SVP, CMO) in both startups and global pharma. He has worked across all major product types, small molecules, biologics, devices, and cell and gene therapies, providing a broad perspective relevant to many career paths. Most importantly, he understands the personal and professional challenges that can arise both early in a transition and later in one’s career.
- Understanding the basics of working in the LSI vs practice
- Typical roles for clinical experts and matching them to your skills and personality
- Reviewing and refining your CV/LinkedIn profile for industry expectations
- Interview preparation and strategy
- Navigating job offers and negotiation
- Leveraging recruiters effectively
- Early career (post-graduation, considering alternatives before committing to practice or academia)
- Mid-career (transitioning from clinical practice, residency, or academia)
- Later career (seeking new direction after years in one path)
In most cases, no. Many assume they need an MBA or other degrees to transition, but this is rarely required. Understanding the industry landscape and properly positioning your existing skills is often enough. Depending on experience, several short certificate type courses may may serve to enhance existing skillsets.
This is a common phrase that is misguided. Working in the LSI gives you the chance to impact patients at scale, often reaching far more lives than direct practice alone. It’s not about leaving patient care but expanding its reach
All conversations are one-on-one, confidential, and tailored to your situation. This isn’t generic coaching, it’s a dialogue with someone who’s been where you are, understands the anxieties, and can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Biotechnology physician executive open to consulting and part-time roles. Expertise primarily in clinical development (all stages) across early-stage startups through larger biotech/pharma (both public and private), with exposure and management over medical affairs and drug safety activities. Broad indication experience including inflammation/immunology, neurology, rheumatology/orthopedics and cardiovascular diseases as well as therapeutic modalities (large & small molecules, gene therapy, devices and hybrid products). Experienced and comfortable in multiple leadership roles ranging from a consultant medical monitor to CMO. I advise on specific tactical drug development issues as well as broader strategic industry/investment opportunities.