How exactly does moonlighting work for surgery?

[VanDiemen]

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Sorry if the answer to this question is obvious, but why would a hospital pay a surgical resident to moonlight there? Why would they want someone who hasn't even completed their training? What sort of work are you allowed to do? I guess i have never really understood the whole concept. Isn't it a liability problem to hire moonlighting residents to work in your surgery dept?

 

[Krazykritter]

Not a surgery resident yet, but I think you are confusing locums work with moonlighting.

Moonlighting occurs for residents who want to make a little extra cash so once they pass Step 3 & obtain full licensure, you can then carry your own malpractice insurance (most malpractice for your residency is carried by the hospital). Most moonlighting work occurs in the ED's of needy hospitals or in urgent care clinics.

Locum work is for graduated residents who are BE/BC & possibly in fellowship to make a little extra money. They then take surgery call for a needy hospital.

 

[VanDiemen]

Thanks for the reply Krazykritter.
I was just wondering about the specifics of what moonlighting actually entails: exactly what type of work is done and at what level of supervision?; do you have to get separate malpractice coverage for moonlighting?; how much does it pay? is the only requirement that you have passed the USMLE Step 3?

 

[Pilot Doc]

Thanks for the reply Krazykritter.
I was just wondering about the specifics of what moonlighting actually entails: exactly what type of work is done and at what level of supervision?; do you have to get separate malpractice coverage for moonlighting?; how much does it pay? is the only requirement that you have passed the USMLE Step 3?

"Moonlighting" is a non-specific term that generally means working somewhere outside of your regular job. It can be used in reference to attendings or even non-physicians. In terms of residents, it can mean any number of things. In every case you will need a permanent, unrestricted medical license. The requirements for this are at minimum completion of internship and passing step III - more in some states. You don't have to finish a residency, be board certified or board eligible.

The work can be almost anything. Insurance physicals, urgent care, ER, being the "intern" for private practice docs, covering an ICU, even operating. I know of one hospital that will hire OB chiefs for inhouse L&D coverage up to and including emergecy C/S.

As for why a hospital would hire a resident. They're willing to work for less than an attending and they are often quite competent for the scope of work they are performing.

 

[VanDiemen]

Thanks Pilotdoc! That makes things much clearer. I've just been a little worried about finances since I think I'll end up with around 250k in debt by the time I start residency.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thanks Pilotdoc! That makes things much clearer. I've just been a little worried about finances since I think I'll end up with around 250k in debt by the time I start residency.

FYI....many surgery programs do not allow moonlighting as a resident except while you are in the lab doing research.