Moonlighting in psych.

[mosche]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have tried to find some references to this in the past, and have been unsuccessful. I have recently begun to consider Psych. -- had been convinced that I would do Pathology until I did my first Path. rotation and was somewhat bored. Now I'm torn: I want to "want to do Path.", but I really love Psych.!

My concerns:

1) I am graduating from a state school in the South, with $160,000. in debt! 😱 If I match at a top tier program, will I have the time/opportunity to moonlight and start paying off my debt?

2) What are the requirements/numbers/expectations at the top programs i.e. MGH, Michigan, Wash. U., U. of Chicago, Duke, Penn., Mayo., etc.... My numbers are strong for Path.-- above 225 on both Steps I and II , passed CS -- however, I am unsure of the competitiveness of Psychiatry. I have done research and will graduate with Honors in Research (published three times, two posters).

If this sounds like I'm a jerk, I apologize in advance -- I'm just really desperate for any information available .

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, Mosche

 

[Milo]

I haven't seen many moonlighting threads either. I do a fair amount of moonlighting. The program I'm in (which is definitely not a top tier program) has in house moonlighting.

The program's current policy on outside moonlighting, once licensed, is not prohibitive. I fill out a bit o' paper work telling them where I'll be, for how often and the malpractice coverage and that's about it.

There is a decent amount of psych moonlighting in my area as well. It's also sweet that when moonlighting I'm making ~25% more than my wife who is an attending family physician.

I also feel like the moonlighting is incredibly educational, I tend to stay abreast of reading more than my non-moonlighting peers, and feel my interviewing and diagnostic skills are sharpened by 'being on my own'

 

[mosche]

I haven't seen many moonlighting threads either. I do a fair amount of moonlighting. The program I'm in (which is definitely not a top tier program) has in house moonlighting.

The program's current policy on outside moonlighting, once licensed, is not prohibitive. I fill out a bit o' paper work telling them where I'll be, for how often and the malpractice coverage and that's about it.

There is a decent amount of psych moonlighting in my area as well. It's also sweet that when moonlighting I'm making ~25% more than my wife who is an attending family physician.

I also feel like the moonlighting is incredibly educational, I tend to stay abreast of reading more than my non-moonlighting peers, and feel my interviewing and diagnostic skills are sharpened by 'being on my own'

Thanks for the reply! May I ask if you are in the North, South or, more specifically, which school? If you feel uncomfortable disclosing specifics, I understand totally! However, any information than you can provide will be very appreciated.

 

[Anasazi23]

With regards to moonlighting; does the moonlighting institution generally provide malpractice insurance for you? Or does the residency/fellowship institution from which you came provide it? I've heard it go both ways.

If one were to buy their own insurance specifically for moonlighting, would you receive a reduced or increased rate? I know the psychiatry malpractice insurance rate is already low to begin with.

My hospital's policy is that moonlighting is allowed in the fourth year, as long as you are covered by their malpractice. That's why I ask if it's economically feasible to buy your own, then moonlight at a place that doesn't provide it for you.

 

[Milo]

The inhouse moonlighting is covered under the resident malpractice insurance

The outside moonlighting has professional liability insurance as a part of the contract I have with them. It is essentially claims made insurance with extended coverage (tail), with a 1 million per occurence/ 3 million per aggragate policy.

I would actually prefer that they change the insurance to straight up occurence instead of extended coverage with tail, but that may or may not happen.

As far as specifics of moonlighting, I don't mind discussing them on an individual basis if you'd like. I will say that I'm in a community program west of the Mississippi. I'm currently moonlighting approximately 60 hours a month, and the pay is $87.50 an hour (plus the benefit of malpractice insurance, free meals).