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Doctors and physicians, despite making good money, often seek ways to boost their finances. High student loan debt, averaging $241,600 for medical school grads, pushes them to explore side gigs for faster debt repayment.
Moreover, some healthcare workers crave a change from their hectic routines. Side hustles provide a tempting getaway from daily stress.
Here, we offer a curated list of 17 side hustle ideas tailored for doctors and physicians. These options not only bring in extra cash but also offer a new outlook on their careers.
1. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a booming field that lets doctors and physicians add to their income in different ways.
You can incorporate telemedicine into your practice, offering patients remote consultations via video or phone. This makes it easier for patients and can bring in new business.
Another option is to work as a locum tenens physician, providing care from home through virtual appointments. Many companies, like Doctor on Demand, offer part-time telemedicine roles, making it a great side hustle.
Getting the right equipment and software is key but not too hard. Telemedicine offers flexibility and meets patients’ needs in today’s digital age.
2. Medical Surveys
Medical surveys are a great way for doctors and physicians to earn extra money. Unlike regular online surveys, these are specifically for healthcare professionals.
Various companies pay doctors for their views on medical products and services. Some examples are M3 Global Research, SERMO, and M3 Global Research.
You can do these surveys whenever you have free time, so it’s flexible. While the pay and length of surveys vary, it can add up to a nice chunk of extra cash.
Some companies also have referral programs, where you can earn bonuses by getting other doctors to join in.
3. Chart Review or Peer Review
Chart review or peer review can be a profitable side job for doctors and physicians.
It entails examining patient records and the treatment given by other medical staff. This is important for maintaining high-quality healthcare and validating medical procedures.
With your expertise, you can spot errors and improve patient care.
You can find chart reviews in hospitals, clinics, and other places where patient records are kept. Doctors might do chart reviews as part of efforts to maintain quality, check on their peers’ work, do research, or follow rules set by regulators.
4. Provide Medical Guidance or Advice
Doctors and physicians can use their knowledge to offer medical guidance and advice, earning extra money through various platforms.
One option is JustAnswer, a website where users ask questions about health and medicine. You get paid for each question you answer, giving you flexibility.
Another option is Best Doctors, where patients seek second opinions. As a physician, you’ll review cases and treatment plans, offering feedback.
These platforms let you share your expertise and help people seeking medical advice while boosting your income.
5. Investing
For doctors and physicians looking for passive income, investing is a solid option.
In the stock market, consider dividend stocks that pay regular dividends, giving you a steady income with less risk. Public.com and Webull are easy-to-use platforms to start with.
You can also explore real estate investment through rental properties or crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise, CrowdStreet, or Cadre. Rental properties provide a stable income but require management unless you hire someone.
Remember to invest cautiously and only use money you can afford to lose, as all investments carry some level of risk.
6. Become an Expert Witness
Becoming an expert witness is a lucrative opportunity for doctors with specialized knowledge. It involves testifying or providing depositions in legal cases related to medical issues, such as malpractice suits.
Companies like SEAK, Expert Institute, and American Medical Experts can help you find these opportunities. Serving as an expert witness not only provides financial benefits but also lets you apply your medical expertise in a unique way.
7. Create an Online Course
Turn your medical expertise into a passive income stream by creating online courses.
While it takes some effort upfront, a course can bring in revenue consistently. Choose a niche in your medical field, use platforms like Podia or Teachable to set up a professional course website, and arrange payment options.
Your course will keep earning money as students access its content. This way, you can use your medical knowledge to generate passive income while reaching a wider audience.
8. Freelance Writing
Doctors and physicians have valuable expertise that can lead to lucrative freelance writing gigs.
Your medical knowledge allows you to charge higher rates than most freelance writers. You can find clients on job boards, platforms like Upwork, or by reaching out directly to those needing medical content.
This side hustle gives you flexibility—you decide how many clients and projects to take on based on your schedule.
9. Write a Book or Ebook
Writing a book or ebook is a great side hustle for doctors and physicians.
If you have valuable knowledge to share, consider putting it into writing. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an easy platform for self-publishing with no upfront costs. Amazon prints paperbacks on-demand.
Alternatively, you can sell your book on your own website for more control and potentially higher earnings. This not only brings in income but also establishes you as an expert in your field, boosting your reputation. Plus, it can open doors to other opportunities.
Writing a book can enhance your career by showcasing your expertise and increasing your visibility in the medical community. Whether you go with Amazon KDP or self-publishing, writing a book is a financially rewarding and reputation-building side hustle for doctors and physicians.
10. Start a Blog or Niche Website
If you’re a doctor who enjoys writing, you can create a website to share medical information and insights.
Pick a specific area of healthcare or clinical medicine that interests you and make money from your site through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. It might take a while to get going, but you could earn a lot in the long run. You might not make much at first, but as your site becomes more popular, your income could shoot up.
For instance, if you’re an orthopedic surgeon, you could start a blog focusing on sports injury prevention and treatment. You could offer advice, share success stories, and recommend products related to orthopedic care.
This is a good option for retired doctors looking for a steady income or anyone who wants to share their medical knowledge while making money.
11. Start a Podcast
Starting a podcast is an easy and affordable way for doctors to earn extra money.
All you need is a microphone and basic editing software. You can even use your laptop’s built-in microphone and free software like Audacity to get started. Upgrade your equipment as your podcast grows.
Once you’ve recorded and edited your episodes, share them on platforms like iTunes and Stitcher. Although podcasts are usually free for listeners, you can make money through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
Aside from the financial benefits, podcasting boosts your professional reputation and makes you known as an expert in your field.
12. Start a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel is a great way for doctors to earn extra money.
In today’s world, sharing medical knowledge through videos is easier than ever. All you need to start is a smartphone and a tripod, which won’t cost much. You can get better equipment as your channel gets popular. Just make sure you understand YouTube’s rules about medical content before you start.
You can earn money from ads on your videos, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Plus, having a YouTube channel helps you become known as an expert in your medical field.
To get started and increase your chances of success, take a free course from a YouTuber who has lots of subscribers. For example, Ali Abdaal’s self-titled channel has over 5 million subscribers. You might consider joining his course Part-Time YouTuber Academy to learn about the tips and tricks for growing your channel.
13. Teaching or Tutoring
Doctors and physicians have valuable knowledge that they can earn money from by teaching or tutoring.
You can teach medical students either in person or online, which is a rewarding way to help the next generation of doctors and make extra cash. You can find opportunities through local medical schools or hospitals.
Alternatively, you can tutor medical or pre-med students, using your medical expertise to earn money. You can advertise your services online or get referrals from people you know.
14. Sell Printables
Selling printables on sites like Etsy can be a fun and profitable side job for doctors.
Printables are digital files that people can download and print at home, like planners, worksheets, or checklists. You don’t need to be a design expert – tools like Canva make it easy to create attractive printables. If you’re not confident in your design skills, you can hire freelancers to help you.
Etsy is a good place to sell your printables because it has lots of buyers and it’s easy to use. Or, you can set up your own online store using platforms like Podia for even more earning potential.
As a doctor, you can create printables related to medical topics like appointments or medications. This side job is perfect if you like working from home, have limited time, or just want to try selling on Etsy.
15. Invent Something
For doctors and physicians who like to get creative, inventing something new can be a great way to turn their medical knowledge into cash.
Start by thinking up fresh ideas, like medical gadgets, software, or other healthcare products that tackle industry problems. Do your homework by researching and developing your idea until it becomes a real product.
Get advice from other medical experts to make sure your invention is practical. Make prototypes and test them thoroughly to make sure they work well. Once you have a solid prototype, spread the word about your invention through marketing to reach potential customers, healthcare providers, or companies.
Successful inventions can bring in money and open doors to starting your own business.
16. Consulting
Consulting is a great way for doctors and physicians to make money from their expertise.
It means giving professional advice to hospitals, clinics, healthcare organizations, or even businesses outside of healthcare that need healthcare know-how.
To start, create an online presence by making a website or portfolio that shows off your qualifications and past work. You can also look for consulting jobs online or through people you know.
Consulting lets you make money by sharing your knowledge and problem-solving skills, making it a good side job. It can also boost your reputation in your field.
17. Speaking Engagements
If you’re good at speaking in front of people, giving talks at conferences and seminars is a great way to make extra money and share what you know.
You can find opportunities through people you know or by looking for conferences in your medical field.
Having a professional website with a detailed bio and info about what you know can help conference organizers find and invite you to speak.
This side job lets you use your medical knowledge, make more money, and grow professionally. It’s a satisfying way to teach others and build up your reputation in your field.
These 17 side hustle ideas aren’t for you? Don’t worry. Just visit the Side Hustles Database to explore more options. To discover which side hustle suits your personality and goals, you can also take the side hustle quiz.
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