Navigating Government Service as a Physician

Working in government can be a remarkable life experience for anyone but particularly for those who have trained in the worlds of medicine and public health. This article describes some lessons learned from a physician initially based in academic medicine and public health who has since spent more than a decade serving in leadership positions at the state and federal levels. Many of the described themes about policy making can guide health professionals who wish to understand and ultimately contribute to the public sector. Certainly, the challenges and risks are noteworthy. However, for those willing and able to take the leap, government service can offer extraordinary opportunities not only for tremendous personal growth but also for making broader contributions to public health.