In a world where burnout looms large and financial security feels increasingly precarious, many physicians are exploring side gigs as a way to diversify their income, regain autonomy, or simply try something new. Whether you’re looking to make ends meet, prepare for an early retirement, or reignite your passion for medicine, there are now more ways than ever for doctors to make money outside their full-time roles.

Let’s explore some of the most popular options for part-time income—from traditional roles to cutting-edge opportunities—and weigh the pros and cons of each. Plus, we’ll introduce a brand-new, exciting way for you to leverage your expertise: training AI models with Automate.clinic.

Picking up extra shifts in a practice

What it is: Picking up shifts in a clinic, urgent care, or hospital remains the most common way for doctors to earn extra income. This is a straightforward option if you’re already credentialed and looking for flexibility within a familiar clinical setting.

Pros:

• Familiar work—you’re already trained for it.

• Usually higher hourly rates compared to your main job.

• Minimal onboarding time.

Cons:

• Demands long hours, often in high-stress environments.

• Can contribute to physical and emotional exhaustion.

• Limited flexibility—you’re trading your time for money.

Video visit companies: 10-minute virtual consults

What it is: Platforms like Teladoc or Amwell let you see patients via video calls, typically for minor acute issues or follow-ups. Physicians log in during their free time and take on cases as they come.

Pros:

• Flexible—work from home, on your own schedule.

• Easy to scale up or down depending on availability.

• Minimal charting and documentation compared to in-person care.

Cons:

• Lower pay per patient.

• Repetitive cases that may feel impersonal.

• Requires managing patient expectations in short time frames.

Prescription review companies: the “Hims and Hers” model

What it is: Companies like Ro, Hims, and Hers offer streamlined patient experiences for conditions like hair loss, erectile dysfunction, or skin care. Physicians are hired to review questionnaires and approve or deny prescriptions.

Pros:

• Extremely flexible and remote.

• No direct patient interaction (which can be a plus for some).

• Predictable workflow with relatively simple cases.

Cons:

• Pay can feel low relative to medical expertise required.

• Lack of meaningful engagement with patients.

• Ethical concerns for some physicians over the transactional nature of care.

Training AI models with Automate.clinic

What it is: Automate.clinic offers an entirely new kind of opportunity for physicians. By leveraging your medical expertise, you can help train cutting-edge AI models to improve healthcare documentation, workflows, and decision-making systems. This role puts you at the forefront of the future of medicine, helping shape how AI understands and replicates the work of doctors.

Pros:

• Unique and intellectually rewarding.

• Flexible—contribute on your own schedule.

• Impactful—play a role in transforming healthcare for doctors and patients alike.

• Passive income potential—once a model is trained, your contributions continue to have value.

Cons:

• Requires learning some new skills (but don’t worry, Automate.clinic provides training!).

• Can be abstract compared to hands-on clinical work.

• The field is new, so it’s still evolving.

Which is right for you?

Choosing a side gig ultimately depends on your priorities. Are you looking for maximum flexibility? The ability to work remotely? Do you want to make a big impact or simply earn extra income with minimal effort? Here’s a quick summary:

• If you want something familiar: Extra clinic shifts are your best bet.

• If you value flexibility and remote work: Video visits or prescription reviews could be ideal.

• If you want to shape the future of medicine: Training AI with Automate.clinic offers a completely novel, impactful opportunity.

Why Automate.clinic stands out

At Automate.clinic, we’re building the next wave of healthcare innovation by creating AI tools that help doctors reclaim their time. Our platform enables physicians like you to train AI models with real-world expertise, ensuring these tools work the way doctors actually think and practice. Unlike traditional side gigs, this work isn’t about squeezing in more patient encounters or grinding through repetitive tasks—it’s about creating something lasting and transformative.

Imagine being able to contribute to technology that reduces documentation burden, streamlines workflows, and makes practicing medicine easier for everyone. That’s the kind of legacy you can build with Automate.clinic—all while earning extra income on your terms.

Conclusion

The landscape of side gigs for physicians has never been more diverse. From traditional clinic shifts to remote video consults to cutting-edge AI training, there’s something for every doctor looking to diversify their income and explore new opportunities. If you’re ready to be part of the future of medicine and want to work smarter—not harder—Automate.clinic offers the most exciting new path forward.

Apply today and discover how rewarding it can be to shape the future of healthcare while earning on the side.