The Double Life of a Doctorpreneur
Let’s be real: keeping up with the demands of a medical career is already a full-time job. And now you’re seriously thinking about starting a side hustle?
If that idea makes you have a little anxiety you’re not alone. I talk to physicians every week who say things like, “How the heck am I supposed to do this too?”
Trust me, I’ve been there. I was a full-time anesthesiologist, father, and husband before I ever made a single dollar outside of medicine. Back then, I didn’t know what I was doing. I just knew I wanted more control over my life.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a game plan and a little encouragement from someone who’s walked the path.
Let’s dig into some of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from juggling medicine and entrepreneurship—without burning out.
Why Bother with a Side Hustle Anyway?
I hear this all the time: “I’m already working 60+ hours a week. Why would I add something else?”
Simple. Because you’re more than your job title. You’re a person with passions, talents, and a life that extends far beyond hospital walls.
Here’s what a side hustle can give you:
- Freedom: Not being financially tied to your clinic or call schedule gives you options.
- Purpose: Maybe it’s a business, a blog, a product—whatever it is, it taps into a creative side you haven’t used since med school.
- Peace of Mind / Security: Medicine is changing fast. Extra income streams are a buffer against uncertainty.
- Flexibility: When you’re not reliant solely on your clinical income, you control your time.
It’s not about hustling harder. It’s about building options.
The Struggle is Real—And You’re Not Alone
Let’s name the blockers:
- “I don’t have time.”
- “I’m exhausted by the end of the day.”
- “I don’t even know where to start.”
- “What if I fail?”
If any of these sound familiar, know this: they don’t disqualify you from success. They just mean you’re human.
Before you dive into tactics, start with mindset.
Mindset First: The Foundation of Everything
Launching a side hustle isn’t just about adding something to your to-do list. It’s about reclaiming your life.
Here’s what helped me:
- Give yourself permission to want more. It’s not being ungrateful—it’s being intentional.
- Redefine success: Maybe it’s more time with family, not more accolades.
- Start with your why: What kind of life do you want to create?
- Forget balance: Life moves in seasons. Harmony is the goal.
Early in my journey, I realized I had built my entire adult life around clinical work—but it was costing me precious time with my kids. I missed several important moments like my daughter’s first steps, early performances, and many Thanksgivings. My fourth Thanksgiving in a row sleeping in the hospital hit me hard. I knew something had to change.
I didn’t quit medicine overnight. But I started carving out time—first 15 minutes a day, then an hour a week—to learn, to create, to build. Those small decisions snowballed into Passive Income MD.
But Seriously… What About Time?
Let me guess: your day is packed to the brim. I get it. But the truth is, most of us have more usable time than we realize—it’s just hiding in distractions and places we might not suspect
Here’s what worked for me:
- Do a Time Audit
Track your time for 2–3 days. You’ll be surprised where the hours go. - Block Your Time
Pick 1–2 weekly slots (post-call, early mornings, etc.). Guard them with passion.. - Use Dead Time Wisely
Commuting, folding laundry, waiting between cases? Perfect for audiobooks, podcasts, or brainstorming. - Delegate Like a Boss
Meal delivery, cleaning services, virtual assistants—outsource the non-essentials. - Keep It Simple
Start with 15 focused minutes a day. Progress matters more than perfection.
Real Stories, Real Doctors
Still not sure it’s doable? Here are a few wins from our Leverage & Growth community:
- Dr. S.an ER doc, started with one short-term rental. Now she manages an entire portfolio and works part-time on her terms.
- Dr. Ta pediatrician, built a baby product after identifying a need in her own practice. Today, it’s a top seller on Amazon.
- Dr. Nalso in emergency medicine, used telemedicine to replace his clinical income—then started teaching others how to do it.
None of them had more hours in the day. They just started.
Try This: The 30-Day Juggle Challenge
Want a simple way to gain momentum? Try this:
Week 1: Audit & Align
Track your time. Clarify your why.
Week 2: Pick One Idea
Don’t chase five rabbits. Choose one thing to explore.
Week 3: Block Your Time
Schedule 3 short sessions. Even 20 minutes counts.
Week 4: Take a Small Step
Post on LinkedIn, send a pitch, launch a landing page. Just do something.
You don’t need to launch a full-scale business in 30 days. You just need to get the gears moving.
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Final Thoughts
I won’t sugarcoat it—juggling a medical career and a side hustle is challenging. But it’s worth it.
You already have the discipline, intelligence, and work ethic. Now it’s about channeling those strengths into something that supports your ideal life.
You don’t have to choose between being a great doctor and having autonomy. You can be both.
The life you want doesn’t start “someday.” It starts with one small decision, today.
And when you do? I’ll be here, cheering you on.
If you’re interested in more, subscribe to our newsletter for more content that will help you in and out of medicine. As always, make it happen!
Ready to Take the First Step?
📄 Grab the Free “The Doctor’s Free Time Audit & Side Hustle Planning Toolkit”
👥 Join the Passive Income Docs Facebook Group
🚀 Want to build income streams with a tribe of like-minded doctors? Check out the Leverage & Growth Accelerator to learn more.
Click Here to Download The Doctor’s Free Time Audit & Side Hustle Planning Toolkit
Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.
Further Reading
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