Change of Visa from O1 to Other

Hi, I was working as a resident in a hospital in NY on an O1 visa. I traveled to India last month and when I went for first time stamping of my O1 visa on 3 rd November, the visa officer kept my application pending under administrative review, for 6 weeks. The hospital is not willing to wait for me that long and may terminate my job. Can I apply for another class of visa while a decision on my O1 visa is pending ? Can a change of status be done while outside of US ? My wife is still in US, can I apply for a change of status to H4 dependent or should I go for a tourist visa and then change the status once I reach US ?

You cannot work under an H4 visa or a tourist visa. What other employment visa do you believe you are eligible to obtain?

I'm eligible for J1 visa. but the imminent issue is to be able to enter US, then I can arrange for a work permit.

I thought the issue was your unavailability for work. Your employer wants you in the U.S., even if you're barred from working? What difference does that make to them?

What reason, preferably giving an INA Section, did the visa officer give for the hold? What are they investigating?