The transition after MBBS is often framed as a race toward the next milestone. This conversation with Dr. Namitha follows what unfolded when she allowed herself time to pause and explore.
What made you step away from full-time clinical work after MBBS?
After my internship, I spent about six months doing COVID duty, and honestly, that period left me exhausted. I needed a break, mentally more than anything else. That’s when I started looking for something non-clinical, something that would still keep me connected to medicine but without the intensity of hospital work.
That’s how I began working with Lecturio Medical. I joined as a medical content curator in 2021, writing articles for medical students. I worked with them for about a year.
How did you move from content work into a corporate setup?
I joined Marrow in early 2022 and stayed there for about three years. Initially, I worked across different projects, and later I led the feedback team linked to the Q Bank.
There was a brief period when I left and tried a full-time clinical role again, but I realised fairly quickly that it was too draining for me. After about four months, I returned to Marrow. That phase helped me understand something important:
“It’s okay to try, step back, and recalibrate.”
You’re currently working in clinical trial data. How did that transition happen?
Right now, my primary role is with a clinical research provider called IQVIA. They work mainly on Phase III clinical trials for US-based pharmaceutical companies. My job involves reviewing subject data and applying medical judgment to ensure accuracy and safety.
It was a major shift. I knew nothing about medical databases or how clinical trial data was handled when I started. But the learning curve was supported, and that made all the difference.
Can you explain how career growth works in this space?
Doctors are hired very intentionally. At IQVIA, the doctor-to-non-medico ratio is roughly 1:9, because a medico is needed to guide the team on medical aspects. Doctors also get certain advantages, like being allowed to negotiate working elsewhere, as long as it doesn’t affect primary responsibilities.
I started as a medical data reviewer. From there, you can grow into a Point of Contact role, then into a Study Team Lead. I’m currently part of a mentorship program aiming to become the medical lead for a study. You can choose whether you want to grow as an individual contributor or move into people management.
You’ve continued clinical work alongside your corporate role. How do you manage both?
I work part-time at a sexual health clinic called Allo Health. My clinic hours are usually from 10 am to 2 pm or 11 am to 3 pm. My CRO job is remote after probation, and I work an evening shift, logging in around 2:30 pm and working until 10 or 11 pm.
As long as I finish my assigned work, there’s a lot of flexibility. That balance is something I really value right now.
Do you have clarity on where you want to go long term?
Not completely, and I’m okay with that. I’m considering doing a PhD, possibly in cancer research. I’ve also explored research options abroad, earlier in nutrition science and mental health. Long term, I’d like to work in the UK or Australia.
I did attempt PLAB earlier and narrowly missed clearing PLAB 2, so that’s something I may revisit. Entry into systems like the NHS has become harder, but I haven’t ruled it out.
What message would you give interns who feel pressured to choose immediately after MBBS?
Most of us are pushed to decide very quickly: PG or nothing. I don’t agree with that. I think it’s important to take some time and explore. Try things. See what actually fits you. Career exploration takes time, and that’s okay.
“You’re not running against a clock, even if it feels that way. You don’t have to choose between being ‘fully clinical’ or ‘fully non-clinical’ forever. You can mix, shift, pause, and change direction as you go.”
Editor’s Note
Dr. Namitha didn’t follow a straight line, and that’s precisely what makes her journey relatable. By allowing herself time to step back, explore, and adjust, she’s built a career that fits her life rather than forcing herself into a predefined mould. Her story is a reminder that after MBBS, patience and exploration can be just as important as ambition.
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