The gig is up: Why more doctors are moonlighting today

Moonlighting? You’re part of a growing group of physicians who are adding gig work to their regular workload. Vikram Luthra, CEO of medical billing software provider Dr. Bill, told The Medical Post that the Vancouver-based company—which was acquired by RBC Ventures two years ago—has seen an uptake in part-time and casual work among physicians who already have full-time roles in their practice. “We’re finding more physicians are adding to their regular clinical practice by picking up work where they’re doing something else,” said Luthra, whose company provided digital claims remittance and management to about 3,000 physicians over the past year. “The question is, how much is COVID-related and what isn't?” Read: Sick, stressed out, burned out? New CMPA department sets out to help doctors stay well So what kind of gig jobs are physicians taking on? Luthra said a growing number of doctors are moonlighting in emergency departments, labour and delivery, academic research and business consulting. “We’re also seeing a lot of virtual-care side gigs as well as providing support to vaccination clinics,” he said. “Obviously for these gigs we can make the connection to COVID.” Some physicians are also performing cosmetic procedures outside of their regular practice, he added. “I think physicians are looking for ways to reduce their risk of burnout,” said Luthra. “Doing five days of clinical work is very, very tough. Seeing 50 or so patients in primary care, even more if you work in a hospital, it wears on you.” While the idea of preventing workplace burnout with more work may seem counterintuitive, for many physicians this approach is about breaking the daily grind by doing something different. “So doing academic research as a side gig may be a good way to balance your clinical workload,” said Luthra. “Having variety for physicians is very important.” Read: Smart choice: New CMA president calls for changes to the culture of medicine

The gig is up: Why more doctors are moonlighting today

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