What is moonlighting in residency?

Moonlighting in residency refers to working additional shifts or jobs outside of the scheduled responsibilities of a resident physician. This can include providing patient care in settings such as urgent care clinics, emergency rooms, or private practices.

Moonlighting can offer residents the opportunity to gain additional clinical experience, earn extra income, and develop skills that may not be addressed in their primary residency program. However, it is important for residents to carefully consider the potential impact of moonlighting on their primary training program, as working additional shifts can lead to increased fatigue, stress, and potential conflicts with scheduled rotations or educational requirements.

Residents should check with their program director or institution for guidelines and regulations regarding moonlighting, as some programs have strict policies in place regarding additional work outside of the residency program. It is also important for residents to prioritize their own well-being and ensure that any additional work does not compromise their ability to fulfill their primary responsibilities as a resident physician.