Many physicians are exploring side gigs as a strategic move toward increased financial control, professional growth and career satisfaction. In a survey conducted by Sermo, 54% of physicians said they already have a side hustle. A large percentage of respondents cited extra income as the main benefit of having a side hustle, while 21% pursue side gigs to sharpen their skills and 17% to expand their professional network opportunities. .
For cardiologists, opportunities abound. Your specialized knowledge in cardiovascular interventions is in high demand across consulting, telemedicine, research and legal sectors. Whether you’re looking to diversify your income, combat burnout, or test the waters of a non-clinical career, a side gig can offer the flexibility that traditional hospital employment often lacks.
Explore the most profitable and flexible side gigs for cardiologists, and find out exactly how to leverage your expertise to earn extra income.
What are the benefits of side gigs for cardiologists?
Often, physicians seek out side hustles to gain the most obvious benefit: extra income, accounting for 41% of physician votes in the Sermo poll. “The field of health no longer generates enough income to meet all our needs, so we are forced to carry out other types of activities that generate income,” writes one U.S.-based general practitioner. That said, the benefits of picking up a side gig extend beyond financial gain.
Boost income and financial security
Diversification is a cornerstone of financial planning, and it applies to your career as it does to your investment portfolio. Those who rely solely on a single clinical income source are vulnerable to unexpected employment changes, contract disputes or industry shifts. “Today the world economy is unstable being a salaried employee is less and less influential in improving our quality of life,” cautions another GP and Sermo member.
A side gig provides an additional revenue stream that can buffer against these uncertainties, offering greater leverage and financial security.
Combat burnout and regain autonomy
Burnout is prevalent among physicians, and cardiologists are no exception. The rate of burnout in cardiologists has reportedly doubled over the past decade, as noted in a 2024 study. The issue is often tied to a lack of control and an overwhelming administrative burden. The relentless pace of hospital rounds, patient consultations and paperwork can leave little room for creative or intellectual fulfillment. A side gig can offer a refreshing outlet outside of the high-stress clinical environment. For some cardiologists, the additional income from these pursuits even makes it possible to reduce clinical hours or shift to part-time practice, creating more balance without stepping away from the field entirely.
Diversify and sharpen professional skills
Side gigs push you to apply your clinical expertise in new contexts, which keeps your knowledge fresh and expands your skill set. Medical consulting, for example, requires you to distill complex cardiology concepts for non-medical audiences. Medical writing demands clarity and precision. Teaching sharpens your communication skills. These complementary skills—business acumen, marketing, public speaking, technology expertise—make you a more versatile physician.
Explore career alternatives at low risk
Not every cardiologist wants to spend their entire career in the cath lab. A side gig allows you to “test drive” alternative careers. Interested in health tech entrepreneurship? Start consulting for a startup. Curious about medical science liaison (MSL) work? Take on a project-based role. Want to explore utilization review? Dip your toes in part-time. If you decide to transition later, your experience can help you make the leap.
Build a professional brand and network
Side hustles that involve publishing, public speaking or consulting can raise your professional visibility. You’re no longer just another cardiologist at your hospital—you’re a subject matter expert. You’ll expand your network in the process, creating connections can lead to new opportunities.
Flexible and remote side gigs for cardiologists
These remote opportunities can allow you to leverage your expertise without being tied to a physical location or rigid schedule.
Sermo paid medical surveys
Sermo offers an easy entry point into the world of physician side gigs. By participating in paid medical surveys, you can earn extra income in your spare time—whether you’re between patients, at home or on a lunch break. The surveys are designed to gather insights from practicing physicians on clinical decision-making, treatment preferences and drug efficacy among other topics important to the development of healthcare.
The surveys vary in length, ranging from quick 10 minute polls to lengthier 20-30 minute surveys, and compensation varies based on the complexity and time commitment. Honoraria can range from $5-$500+, with more complex or specialized surveys typically offering larger earnings.
Not only do you benefit from extra income, but taking surveys on Sermo also helps you to stay up to date with emerging treatments, cutting-edge technologies and developing therapies. Your feedback helps medical research companies to better understand how cardiologists make real-world treatment decisions, which gives you the chance to advocate for your patients and their needs.
Providing virtual cardiology consults
Telemedicine for cardiologists has gained traction in recent years, offering a convenient way to see patients remotely. Virtual cardiology consults can include follow-up appointments, medication management, risk factor counseling and pre-procedural evaluations. Platforms like Heartbeat Health and Doxy.me connect cardiologists with patients across the country. Virtual consults are particularly appealing if you’re looking to wind down from full-time clinical work or explore a more flexible practice model.
Concierge/preventive cardiology
Concierge cardiology offers a direct-pay model that allows you to build a small, exclusive patient panel. Instead of seeing 20+ patients a day, you might see five or six, allowing more time for preventive care, lifestyle counseling and personalized treatment plans. This model is ideal for cardiologists who want to escape the insurance reimbursement treadmill and focus on high-quality, patient-centered care. You can run a concierge practice as a side gig, seeing patients on evenings or weekends, or as a full-time venture. The earning potential is strong; the monthly subscription cost for concierge care averages $200, but can be as high as $30,000, Scientific American reports.
Remote reads for cardiac exams and imaging
If you prefer diagnostic work over patient interaction, remote reads for cardiac exams and imaging offer a lucrative and flexible option. You can interpret EKGs, echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests, coronary CTAs and cardiac MRIs from anywhere. Companies like Heartbeat Health and SHL Telemedicine hire cardiologists to provide remote interpretations on a contract or per-case basis.
Consulting and startup advising
Your expertise in cardiovascular disease makes you a valuable advisor. As a consultant or advisor, you can provide strategic guidance on product development, clinical trial design, regulatory pathways and market positioning. This work is typically project-based and highly flexible. Consulting also offers a gateway into the world of health tech entrepreneurship if you’re interested in launching your own venture down the line. However, conflicts of interest can arise when physicians act as consultants for pharma companies, as noted in a 2021 study. The authors argued that physicians should avoid accepting free gifts or travel and that physicians with financial ties to companies should be excluded from formulary committees.
Influencer, media expert, or brand ambassador
If you have a knack for communication, you can apply your skills as a cardiology influencer or media expert. This can include writing for health publications, appearing on podcasts or TV segments or partnering with brands as a paid ambassador. Companies are eager to work with physicians who can lend credibility to their products and educate the public on cardiovascular health. While this path requires building a platform over time, it can be highly lucrative and personally fulfilling.
High-earning side gig roles for cardiologists
If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential, these high-paying side gigs are worth considering.
Cardiology expert witness & malpractice review
Expert witness work is among the most lucrative side gigs available to cardiologists. Attorneys need cardiovascular specialists to review medical records, provide opinions on standard of care, and testify in malpractice or personal injury cases. While the work can be time-intensive and intellectually demanding, it offers the opportunity to influence legal outcomes. You may find expert witness work to be a natural extension of your clinical expertise, and it’s a field that values both clinical acumen and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
Remote cardiovascular chart audit & utilization review
Utilization review involves evaluating medical records to determine whether treatments, procedures or hospital admissions were medically necessary and appropriately documented. Insurance companies, third-party administrators and hospital systems hire cardiologists to perform these audits remotely. The work is largely desk-based, with flexible hours.
Life insurance underwriting & risk assessment
Life insurance companies need cardiologists to assess applicants with cardiovascular disease or risk factors. As a medical underwriter or consultant, you’ll review medical records, order additional tests if needed, and provide risk assessments that inform underwriting decisions. This work is highly flexible and leverages your diagnostic expertise in a low-stress, non-clinical setting.
Cardiology locum tenens & moonlighting
Locum tenens work allows you to fill temporary staffing needs, often at premium rates. Cardiologists can earn an average hourly rate of $230 to $310, translating to an annual locum salary range of $498,400 to $670,000 or the permanent salary equivalent of $511,500, as outlined in this Sermo article. Locum tenens offers flexibility, allowing you to work as much or as little as you want, and it’s a great way to explore different practice settings or geographic locations. Moonlighting, on the other hand, involves taking on extra shifts at your current or nearby institutions, typically for overtime pay or bonus compensation.
Cardiovascular drug/device research & development
Pharmaceutical and medical device companies are constantly seeking cardiologists to participate in clinical trials, serve on advisory boards and provide input on product development. This work can range from one-time consulting projects to ongoing advisory roles, with compensation varying widely based on the scope and duration of the engagement. This side gig is particularly appealing if you’re interested in staying at the cutting edge of cardiovascular innovation.
Freelance medical writing for cardiology publications
Medical writing is a flexible, intellectually engaging side gig that allows you to share your expertise with a broader audience. You can write review articles for medical journals, online platforms or pharmaceutical companies. Find out how to get started with Sermo’s guide to freelance medical writing.
Take control of your career—on your own terms
A cardiology career is no longer confined to the hospital. Side gigs can allow you to diversify your income, combat burnout, sharpen your skills and explore new professional horizons. Whether you’re interested in paid medical surveys, telemedicine, expert witness work, or consulting, the opportunities are vast. You can lean on your peers as you explore your next move. Join the conversation on Sermo, where more than 1 million verified physicians share transparent insights on side gigs, career building opportunities, and much more.
