General question about moonlighting

[student-2]

Hi all-
Just wanted to hear a little bit more about moonlighting while being a resident. I imagine that one can moonlight only after completing step 3. DOes anyone know of any other requirements? What kind of jobs are offered for the different types of residencies (for example for internal medicine)? WHat kind of income can one hope to get around the New-York area?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[Picard]

In general, moonlighting -- defining as working for extra money as a physician outside of your training program -- requires a full permenent medical license in the state you intend to moonlight. You also need your program's permission to moonlight, and the hours you work in your moonlight job must be counted in the 80-hr rule. Some states also have specific laws against residents moonlighting.

In the NY area (assuming you are doing your residency in NYC), it's not possible for you as an IMG to obtain full licensure while in residency, so you cannot moonlight. Passing Step III means absolutely nothing in your ability to moonlight except to say that it's a requirement for permenent licensure.

Some programs have in-house moonlight (ie take extra night float/weekend coverage... etc for extra money), this is not really "moonlight," since you are still technically working within your program.

In places where residents do moonlight, it's usually PGY-3 or above residents with full permenent licensure, working in places like urgent care, making anywhere from 50 to 70 dollars an hour (wide variation). Things to keep in mind is that you need to make sure you have liability coverage -- your program will NOT cover your liability while moonlighting. And, if any mishap happens while moonlighting, it will most likely end your residency training prematurely -- be careful.

P

[student-2]

Thanks for the response.
So from what I understand as soon as I am an IMG I can't moonlight. That's a bummer! How much approximately does a physician make if he takes extra shifts at the hospital?

[Natacha]

Well, I don't know, I've heard different... I heard that it depends on the program and that some IMGs do find moonlighting opportunities within there last year of residency. But then again, I could be wrong! This here is all hear-say.