Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist and author of "Just One Heart," discusses the trend of physicians pursuing side gigs—40% of doctors now supplement their income with an average of $34,000 annually. The conversation highlights rising burnout, financial pressures, and shifting generational attitudes toward work. Fisher explores whether these side endeavors serve as creative outlets or sources of stability. He also addresses the impact of AI on healthcare roles and the evolving nature of medical practice, emphasizing the need for healthcare organizations to adapt.
The rise of physician side gigs, with 40% of doctors earning an average of $34,000 annually, highlights the impact of burnout and job dissatisfaction in healthcare.
The transition from private practice to hospital employment has led doctors to seek creative outlets outside traditional medicine, necessitating a cultural reevaluation of their roles.
Deep dives
The Rise of Physician Side Gigs
A significant trend observed in medicine is the increasing number of physicians engaging in side gigs, with approximately 40% supplementing their income through various activities outside their primary practice. This shift contrasts sharply with the past, where the medical career was typically seen as a lifelong commitment to a single path. The earnings from these side ventures can average around $34,000 annually, indicating a substantial economic incentive that many physicians pursue. The implications of this trend extend to patient care, physician availability, and the potential for decreased focus on traditional medical practice, as doctors balance multiple professional responsibilities.
Burnout and Its Consequences
Burnout has become a pervasive issue among healthcare providers, with estimates suggesting that 50% to 60% of physicians across specialties feel its effects. This state of exhaustion not only impacts the well-being of healthcare workers but also correlates with diminished patient care quality. Studies indicate that burnout can lead to decreased empathy, attention, and critical thinking, resulting in poorer patient outcomes and increased errors. Consequently, understanding the symptoms of burnout and its ripple effects on patient interactions is crucial for both providers and patients alike.
Changing Dynamics in Medical Work Culture
The transition from private practices to hospital or health system employment has altered how physicians view their roles, often leading to a mindset more akin to that of employees than independent practitioners. This shift has resulted in decreased personal investment in their work and a significant rise in side gigs that distract from traditional patient care. The current generation of medical professionals expresses a desire for fulfillment beyond standardized medical duties, prompting them to seek opportunities for creativity and innovation within and outside of healthcare. As a result, a cultural reevaluation of what it means to practice medicine is essential to rediscover passion and connection in their work.
The Future of Healthcare and Innovation
The discussion surrounding AI and technology in healthcare highlights both excitement and caution, as innovations possess the potential to enhance productivity and improve patient outcomes. Embracing these advancements may require a mindset shift, where physicians see technology not as a threat but as a tool for creativity and improved care delivery. The pressure on healthcare systems to adapt and upskill their workforce creates an opportunity for physicians to take on more entrepreneurial roles, fostering an environment of innovation rather than compliance. The path forward involves embracing new paradigms, where physicians redefine their relationship with technology, focus on value-based care, and enhance patient well-being.
In this Unfiltered episode of Fixing Healthcare, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr welcome back cardiologist and burnout expert Dr. Jonathan Fisher to explore a surprising and growing trend: the rise of physician side gigs.
The discussion opens with eye-opening statistics: 40% of doctors now have a side gig, bringing in an average of $34,000 annually. This shift marks a stark departure from the past, when physicians expected to practice medicine full-time for decades.
Drs. Pearl and Fisher debate the driving forces behind this change, from rising burnout and financial pressures to shifting generational attitudes about work and career fulfillment.
The conversation also tackles broader questions about the evolving role of doctors in modern medicine. As AI reshapes healthcare and physicians increasingly work for large institutions rather than private practices, has medicine become less stimulating? Are doctors seeking side gigs as an outlet for creativity, financial stability or a deeper sense of purpose? And how can healthcare organizations adapt to retain and empower their workforce?
Key topics discussed in this episode include:
• The staggering rise in physician side gigs and what’s driving the trend
• How burnout, job dissatisfaction and financial pressures factor in
• The shift from independent practice to hospital employment
• Medicine’s declining intellectual stimulation and the search for creative outlets
• The role of AI in reshaping doctors’ work and financial futures
• What healthcare leaders must do to engage and retain top medical talent
For more raw, unfiltered commentary, listen to the full episode and check out these helpful links:
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr.Subscribe to the show via Apple Podcasts or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.