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Not everyone ties their identity to being a physician.
Some people pick a lane, and stick in it forever, and build a career and stay there forever. That works for them.
Others evolve. They let curiosity lead. They step into new spaces even when they don’t have the credentials.
Its not flakiness. Its expansion.
Side gigs have always been part of physician culture through “moonlighting.” Beyond extra income, these pursuits can help us test alternative careers. Your clinical job pays the bills, but your side gig could become your fulfilling encore—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually rewarding as you transition to retirement.
These don’t need to be medical—perhaps teaching occasionally, consulting, writing, or learning music. Many find these activities create bridges between their established identity and unexplored aspects of themselves.
As healthcare continues to evolve and burnout rates climb, intentionally cultivating these alternative pathways isn’t just prudent—it’s essential self-care. Your side gig might become your sanctuary when clinical practice feels overwhelming, or your transition plan when retirement approaches.
So ask yourself: What interests have I set aside in service of my medical career? What skills have I developed that might be valuable in unexpected contexts? What problems would I solve if my medical degree weren’t the primary tool in my toolkit?
Medicine has shaped you but needn’t define your entire existence. Your side gig could become your next chapter—on your own terms.
Jorge Sanchez, MD
Naples, Florida
The Sunday Best 03/30/2025
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