Interesting Side Jobs in Medicine: A Canadian Doctor’s Hollywood

As a physician, the opportunities to diversify income streams and leverage our unique skills are limitless. Recently, I attended an international medical conference with CME Away where I met a fascinating Canadian family doctor from Calgary who epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit of our profession. While maintaining her robust private practice clinic, she developed an extraordinary side hustle as a medical care contractor for the booming movie industry in her region. Her story is both inspiring and practical, shedding light on how physicians can create fulfilling, lucrative side jobs.

A Medical Care Contractor for Movie Studios

Calgary, with its stunning natural landscapes, has become a hotspot for film production, attracting studios and celebrities alike. Recognizing the influx of movie productions and the unique needs of film crews, this physician seized an opportunity few might consider. Over time, she built a reputation as a reliable, skilled medical professional for movie sets.

She charged $250 per hour for house calls to treat a range of health issues faced by studio workers and even celebrities. Her work was episodic and low-volume, allowing her to balance it seamlessly with her primary practice. Along the way, she met household names, including Tom Selleck, and enjoyed a front-row seat to the fascinating culture of the film industry.

This side job not only created an additional income channel but also brought joy, freedom, and autonomy. It’s a powerful example of how doctors can tap into their skills, interests, and local opportunities to expand their professional horizons.

The Mobility and Flexibility of Medical Expertise

One of the most remarkable aspects of being a doctor is the mobility of our skills. We can practice virtually anywhere and adapt to diverse environments—from rural clinics to bustling movie sets. The Calgary doctor’s experience reaffirms how geographic variations and local opportunities can be leveraged to job stack effectively.

Her story demonstrates that medical side jobs don’t have to be high-stress or high-volume. They can be episodic, transactional, and incredibly rewarding, both financially and personally. This kind of flexibility is a significant benefit of self-employment, offering autonomy and the ability to shape your career on your terms.

Why Consider a Side Hustle?

Side hustles are not merely avenues for generating additional income; they represent a profound opportunity to shape a professional life that genuinely mirrors your deepest passions and core values. Engaging in a side hustle allows you to pursue interests that may not be fulfilled by your primary job, offering a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Furthermore, these ventures empower individuals to explore creative outlets, develop new skills, and potentially transform hobbies into thriving businesses. By aligning your work with what truly matters to you, side hustles can lead to increased happiness and motivation in both personal and professional realms.

Here are some compelling reasons to explore interesting side jobs in medicine:

1. Diversify Income Streams Additional income channels can create financial security and freedom.

2. Explore New Passions Side jobs allow you to venture into areas of interest outside traditional medical practice.

3. Expand Your Network Working in different industries or environments introduces you to new people and opportunities.

4. Increase Autonomy As a self-employed contractor, you can set your schedule and fees.

5. Prevent Burnout Engaging in unique, fulfilling work can reignite your passion for medicine.

Unlocking Opportunities in Your Area

While the Calgary doctor capitalized on her city’s film industry, every region has unique opportunities. Whether it’s the tech boom in Silicon Valley, seasonal tourism in Florida, or industrial hubs in the Midwest, physicians can find niche markets to offer their services. Consider these potential side hustles:

• Telehealth for Rural Communities Offer virtual consultations to underserved populations.

• Event Medicine Provide medical coverage for concerts, festivals, or sporting events.

• Corporate Wellness Consulting Work with companies to enhance employee health programs.

• Medical Examiner or Legal Consultant Assist with insurance claims, worker’s comp cases, or malpractice lawsuits.

• Specialty Clinics Create cash-based micro-clinics focused on areas like weight loss, dermatology, or mental health.

How SimpliMD Can Help You Create Your Side Hustle

If you’re inspired by the Calgary doctor’s story or see an opportunity in your region, SimpliMD is here to support you in building your medical side hustle. We offer tools, resources, and personalized coaching to empower you to create a micro-corporation that enhances your career.

Start with a Personalized Micro-Business Consult

For only $99, you can schedule a SimpliMD Micro-Business Consult tailored to your goals. This one-time fee also gives you access to a one-year SimpliMD membership valued at $2,500, including templates, guides, and resources to streamline your business operations.

Learn to Build Your Micro-Corporation

Our course, “Creating a Practice Without Walls,” equips you with the knowledge to create a practice that offers flexibility and autonomy. Learn how to form a micro-corporation, navigate the marketplace, and thrive as a self-employed doctor.

Business Planning Made Easy

SimpliMD’s Business Plan Suite is the ultimate toolkit for physicians starting their side hustles. It includes:

• A Business Plan Template crafted for self-employed doctors.

• A Micro-Corporation Budget Template to save hours of time.

• A SWOT Analysis Template to optimize your business strategy.

Take Charge of Your Career

The Calgary doctor’s story reminds us that the possibilities in medicine are endless. By exploring side hustles, you can unlock financial freedom, professional satisfaction, and a renewed passion for your work.

Let SimpliMD help you take the first step. Whether it’s a one-on-one consult, a comprehensive course, or powerful planning tools, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.