Consulting on the side

[UCSFdreamin]

How common/feasible is it to work as a consultant part time for a firm? I am interested in medical research, but am not sure if I want to run a lab. Instead, I was thinking of having a private practice and working through a university to conduct clinical/epi research. I think this would also give me strong credentials for consulting, which I think I'd really like. If I can manage the time (which is a very big IF, I understand), are firms interested in currently-practicing physicians? I imagine I'd want to get an MBA at some point before trying.

Thanks--

 

[DrJosephKim]

There are many different types of independent consulting opportunities for practicing physicians. You'll have to explore and find them yourself.

However, if you'd like to work for a large consulting firm, keep in mind that they have full-time physician consultants on staff and they don't generally rely on extra contract consultants.

 

[michaelrack]

Instead, I was thinking of having a private practice and working through a university to conduct clinical/epi research. -

A lot of universities are getting rid of this option. The univ of MS med center recently got rid of the last of its part-time faculty. Even faculty who basically volunteered 1/2 day (one clinic ) a month for a nominal fee were gotten rid of. Universities want total control over the faculty.

 

[rysa4]

How common/feasible is it to work as a consultant part time for a firm? I am interested in medical research, but am not sure if I want to run a lab. Instead, I was thinking of having a private practice and working through a university to conduct clinical/epi research. I think this would also give me strong credentials for consulting, which I think I'd really like. If I can manage the time (which is a very big IF, I understand), are firms interested in currently-practicing physicians? I imagine I'd want to get an MBA at some point before trying.

Thanks--

If you would be employed by the private practice, as long as you ran your income through the practice plan and overhead, no one would sweat it. ( Assuming you did your fair share of call etc)

 

[Gunneria]

bump

 

[notinkansas]

I recently left clinical practice behind to work as a consultant. It's hard to imagine how it could be done part time. I'm in the health care consulting area of one of the big 4 accounting firms. They do offer flexible and reduced hours work schedules- usually only after you've been there a while and are established. And those I know on these schedules still find it challenging to manage. Just like consulting isn't limited to 40 hours a week, "reduced hours" doesn't mean 20 hours a week.

 

[skontroller]

Congrats on the move. Depending upon what field you came from it must have been a tough call to make. It's hard to leave 300-400k for 150k + bonus but in the long term you're better off doing what you enjoy. There's also probably significant upside going into industry if you do well.