Fresh out of medical school, looking to pursue consulting as a kickboard to a future in VC/Startup world.

Question

Hello,

I recently graduated medical school, i simultaneously represented the national team in my sport and reached top 250 in the world, built 2 small side businesses, and wrote 6-7 research papers whilst in medical school. Currently doing my 1 year medical internship at a top facility in the GCC.

Long story short, i do not want to pursue medicine due to the following reasons: compensation timeline, lifestyle, and its not what i expected out of medicine.

What pathways do i have into consulting? ideally in the GCC or US or UK?

My thought process was that medical residency would take 7 years with an average compensation of 30-50k a year pre tax and a terrible work life balance. If i were to invest the same amount of time into consulting the financial rewards and lifestyle benefits during the same duration would be better than continuing with residency. Once done with the 5-7 years i could take my consulting experience and jump into VC/etc.

Not sure if i am slightly naive/delusional or if this is a feasible plan.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hey!

Your plan is definitely feasible and not delusional at all—many people with medical backgrounds transition successfully into consulting, leveraging their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry expertise. Given your impressive profile with medical training, entrepreneurship, and elite sports experience, you bring a unique blend of discipline, leadership, and business acumen that consulting firms value highly, especially in healthcare and life sciences practices.

To break into consulting in the GCC, US, or UK, focus on crafting a compelling narrative about your shift from medicine to consulting, emphasizing your transferable skills like data-driven decision-making, project management, and strategic thinking. Target firms with strong healthcare practices such as MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) and boutique healthcare consultancies like LEK, ZS, and IQVIA. Networking will be crucial—reach out to consultants with similar backgrounds via LinkedIn and alumni networks to understand their transition and get referrals. Additionally, consider gaining business exposure through online strategy courses or an MBA if you want to further strengthen your profile, though it's not always necessary.

Your thought process about the financial and lifestyle benefits of consulting versus medical residency is quite rational. Consulting can offer faster financial growth, broader career opportunities, and a clearer path into VC/startups through exposure to healthcare innovation, private equity, and market strategy. Keep refining your case interview skills, build your business knowledge, and stay persistent—consulting could be a great stepping stone to your long-term goals.

Alessa

Answer 2

Hi there!
I have personally worked with two consultants who used to be doctors. One of them even completed a residency and became an ophthalmologist before transitioning to consulting after an MBA. The other just graduated and was hired. The fact that you hold this degree is highly regarded, and combined with the other components of your resume, I believe you won’t have any difficulty securing an interview.

However, I should highlight that consulting offers a challenging lifestyle, and it doesn’t necessarily improve with time—at least not before you become a partner. This often means working up to 100 hours per week, sometimes including weekends, traveling weekly, and being under a lot of pressure to perform (the "up or out" culture).

If VC is what you want, I would talk to people that are in this end goal position to check if all this prior work is required given your experience. You may find that you can achieve it in a simpler and less stressful manner.

Good luck!

Mark

Answer 3

Hey there,

Not only is your plan feasible, but it's been done before by many doctors that turned consultants and then exited into VC/Start-ups and Private equity!

Whilst in consulting, you could join Healthcare or Life Sciences practices and really leverage your medical background as a key advantage!

All the best