Growing Beyond the Clinic: Why Saying Yes Matters Early in Your Career - Burroughs
Jun 10, 2026, 09:56 AM
By Brian Burroughs, MSPAS, PA-C, AQH, BC-ADM, CDCES, CHC
Early in your career, it is easy to focus solely on clinical responsibilities.
There is a lot to learn. The days are busy. The learning curve is steep.
Taking on additional roles such as writing, teaching, or participating in professional organizations can feel like adding more to an already full plate.
But in my experience, these opportunities have not taken away from my career. They have enhanced it.
Getting involved with ADCES, contributing to publications like ADCES in Practice, the association’s practice journal, and participating in professional activities has allowed me to develop skills that I would not have gained through clinical work alone.
Writing has helped me clarify my thinking and communicate more effectively. Teaching has reinforced my own knowledge and pushed me to stay current. Engaging with professional organizations has expanded my network and exposed me to new ideas.
These experiences have also created connections.
I have had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines and across the country. These relationships have opened doors to new projects, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
Importantly, this work has also helped address something many clinicians experience but do not always talk about.
Burnout.
While these activities do require time and effort, they also provide a sense of purpose and variety. They offer a different kind of fulfillment that can balance the demands of clinical practice.
For young professionals, my advice is simple.
Be open to opportunities.
You do not have to say yes to everything. But saying yes to the right things can have a significant impact on your career.
Look for opportunities that align with your interests. Seek out mentors. Be willing to try something new, even if you are not entirely sure where it will lead.
Over time, these experiences can help shape not just your resume, but your professional identity.
And they may very well become some of the most rewarding parts of your career.