You’ve spent years training, investing in your career, and pouring yourself into patient care. And sure, the income’s solid, but let’s be real—financial security isn’t a given. Burnout is real, student loans are relentless, and the healthcare industry? Constantly shifting under our feet.
That’s why so many physicians are turning to side hustles. Not just for extra income, but for options—financial freedom, career flexibility, even the ability to step away from clinical work if that’s the goal.
So, if you’re looking to boost your income while leveraging the skills and expertise you already have, here are seven side hustles that can help you do just that. Let’s get to it!
1. Telemedicine
There’s no doubt that COVID accelerated the adoption of virtual medicine into our daily lives. Many physicians were able to explore this world of telemedicine where they could see patients either synchronously (live) or asynchronously, like logging in and signing charts or prescriptions.
Since then there’s been an explosion of telemedicine platforms and many physicians have found this to be a great side hustle. You get paid for the time you put in.
Now some have made it their entire careers and have even found positions as practice owners or chief medical officers of telemedicine companies. So for them it’s no longer a side hustle, it’s a true career. I’m being honest when I tell you I’ve heard of some physicians making six figures each month.
Telemedicine is a flexible way for physicians to earn extra income without leaving home or honestly while traveling.
Why it’s great:
- Flexible schedule—you choose when and how much to work.
- No additional overhead or office expenses.
- Expanding industry with increasing demand for virtual healthcare.
Earning potential: Depending on your specialty and platform, telemedicine doctors can earn between $150-$250 per hour, but if you can increase your value through owning virtual practices or becoming a Chief Medical Officer, the upside is virtually unlimited.
If you’re looking to build a thriving career in telemedicine, explore All In Remote Academy for expert guidance, resources, and a supportive community of physicians.
2. Consulting for Healthcare Startups
Many health-tech startups seek medical expertise to refine products, ensure compliance, and develop strategies. Physicians can provide valuable insights as consultants in areas like medical devices, telehealth, and digital health solutions.
Why it’s great:
- Work with innovative companies shaping the future of healthcare.
- No clinical responsibilities or malpractice risk.
- Opportunities to earn equity in early-stage startups.
How to get started:
- Network on LinkedIn and attend healthcare startup events.
- Reach out to startups directly and pitch your expertise.
If you’re looking to transition from clinical practice to the startup world, the Startup Physicians Launchpad is an exclusive 6-week program that provides the exact blueprint to make that shift successfully.
3. Expert Witness Work
Expert witness consulting is a highly lucrative side hustle where doctors provide medical opinions for legal cases, including malpractice claims and insurance disputes.
Why it’s great:
- High hourly pay ($250-$500 per hour or more).
- Minimal ongoing commitment—work as cases arise.
- Leverages your existing medical knowledge.
How to get started:
- Take expert witness training courses to enhance credibility.
- Join expert witness directories like SEAK, AMFS, or JurisPro.
- Connect with attorneys in your specialty.
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- A checklist to launch your side hustle
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5. Coaching & Mentorship
Many doctors find fulfillment in coaching others, whether it’s guiding fellow physicians through career transitions, financial planning, or wellness coaching.
Professional athletes and the best CEOs in the world have coaches, so why shouldn’t physicians?
Why it’s great:
- Can be done online via Zoom, making it location-independent.
- Recurring revenue from coaching programs or memberships.
- Helps fellow doctors achieve success in their careers and maximize their potential.
- Can be extremely rewarding to help our own community.
How to get started:
- Define your coaching niche (e.g., burnout recovery, finance, career transitions).
- Create a website or social media presence.
- Offer free webinars or discovery calls to attract clients.
6. Starting a Brand or Platform Through a Blog, Podcast, or YouTube Channel
Creating content allows physicians to share their expertise while generating income through advertising, sponsorships, and online courses. You can help others achieve more and try new things through your expertise.
Why it’s great:
- Builds authority in your niche.
- Passive income potential over time.
- Multiple monetization streams (ads, affiliate marketing, paid memberships).
How to get started:
- Pick a niche: physician finance, wellness, medical career advice, etc.
- Choose a platform: WordPress for blogging, YouTube for videos, Spotify for podcasts.
- Stay consistent with content and engage your audience.
7. Owning or Investing in a Medical Business
Physicians can start or invest in healthcare-related businesses, such as concierge medicine, medical spas, urgent care centers, or health tech startups.
Why it’s great:
- Business ownership can provide long-term wealth beyond clinical practice.
- Opportunities to scale and hire others to manage operations.
- You can also invest passively into these businesses to make it truly a side hustle
- Control over your income and work schedule.
How to get started:
- Research profitable healthcare businesses.
- Consider partnerships or franchise opportunities.
- Consult a business coach or financial advisor to assess risks.
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Conclusion
Gone are the days when physicians had to rely only on clinical income. These side hustles aren’t just about making extra cash—they’re about creating options. Financial security, career flexibility, and the freedom to design a life that actually aligns with your goals.
The key? Start small. Pick one side hustle that matches your skills and interests, then take that first step. No need to overhaul your entire career overnight—just build, little by little.
Medicine is changing, and the physicians who diversify their income will be the ones thriving in the long run.
So… which side hustle catches your eye? Let me know in the comments!
If you’re interested in more, subscribe to our newsletter for more content that will help you in and out of medicine. As always, make it happen!
Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.
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