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Side Gigs for Orthopedic Surgeons

  • Mar 27
  • 11 min read

Over the years, we've seen countless requests for side hustle ideas for doctors in specific specialties in our online physician community. We continue our series of unique side gigs by specialty with side gigs for orthopedic surgeons. If you aren't in orthopedics and want to learn more about side gigs for your specialty, check out our page of side gig ideas for different specialties. If your specialty hasn’t been featured yet, follow the series on Instagram, where we’ve featured more specialties.


Disclosure/Disclaimer: Our content is for generalized educational purposes. While we try to ensure it is accurate and updated, we cannot guarantee it. You should do your own due diligence before making decisions based on this page. To learn more, visit our disclaimers and disclosures.


11 unique side gigs for orthopedic surgeons, including locums, consulting, medical surveys, expert witness work & ASC ownership


Side gigs for orthopedic surgeons


Locums and moonlighting


For orthopedic surgeons looking to increase their income while staying in the clinical environment they know best, locums and moonlighting are among the most straightforward options available. Demand is high as surgical coverage shortages are common across community hospitals and rural health systems, and rates are often comparable (if not higher) than what orthopedic surgeons can get during their normal clinical work.


Arrangements can vary widely in structure. Some orthopedic surgeons prefer per diem or call-coverage assignments that can be added around an existing full-time role, while others take on more intensive short-term contracts as a way to diversify their work environment, pay down debt, or explore different practice settings before making longer-term career decisions. Either way, flexibility is a feature of this side gig. You can generally scale your involvement based on what your schedule allows and your preferences dictate.


A few important housekeeping notes: your current employer's malpractice policy likely doesn’t cover outside work, so confirm coverage before your first shift. Visit our medical malpractice insurance page for resources if needed. Also check your employment agreement for any restrictions on moonlighting or outside clinical work — non-compete and exclusivity clauses vary widely.


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Consulting


Consulting is a popular side gig across our online physician community, and orthopedic surgeons are often sought-after specialists for these engagements. These are typically short-term or one-off opportunities where a company wants your clinical perspective on a product, a device, or a surgical technique, through a focused interview. Medical device manufacturers, implant companies, and health tech startups all actively engage for orthopedic expertise, and the volume of innovation in this space keeps demand steady.


Pay is typically on an hourly or per-project basis, and most opportunities are remote. Rates can depend on specific expertise, but consulting is often one of the higher paying side gig opportunities available for doctors looking for rates closer to their clinical income.


These engagements can also open doors to speaking invitations, advisory board positions, and medical device development opportunities.


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Paid medical surveys


Paid medical surveys are one of the most flexible ways to earn supplemental income with no scheduling requirements, upfront costs, or additional skills needed. Market research firms, device manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies regularly seek feedback from orthopedic specialists on implant designs, surgical instruments, pain management protocols, and more.


Surveys can range from just a few minutes to longer studies completed at your convenience, making it easy to fit them around your existing schedule. While surveys won't replace clinical income, this can be an easy side gig to spin up for additional cash. Signing up with multiple reputable platforms broadens your access to opportunities.


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Chart review (including utilization management, IMEs, and worker’s compensation)


Chart review is a side gig that offers flexibility and a low barrier to entry. Opportunities exist across a range of organizations — insurance companies, law firms, hospital systems, and utilization review organizations all need input on orthopedic cases.


Common roles include:

  • Utilization management and peer-to-peer reviews

  • Independent medical evaluations (IMEs)

  • Workers' compensation case reviews

  • Quality assurance work


Orthopedic surgeons are in consistent demand for chart review given the high volume of musculoskeletal injury claims, surgical necessity disputes, and workers' comp evaluations that require specialist review.


Much of this work can be done fully remotely on your own schedule, though disability and IME work may have an in-person component depending on the opportunity. Compensation structures vary — some are hourly, others per case — and most arrangements allow you to set your own volume.


In California, orthopedic surgeons performing workers' compensation evaluations may need to obtain the QME (Qualified Medical Evaluator) certification.


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Expert witness work


Orthopedic surgery is also a sought after specialty in medical malpractice and personal injury litigation, which can translate into a steady demand for expert witnesses. Cases involving surgical complications, delayed diagnoses of fractures or injuries, spine surgery outcomes, and workplace injuries all commonly require expert input — both for plaintiff and defense counsel. 


Physicians in our community sometimes ask whether they can commit to working for only the defense; we recommend being open to working for attorneys on either side of a case, as a pattern of working exclusively for defendants or plaintiffs can be challenged in court and may affect your credibility as a witness.


Expert witness work is popular in our physician community for good reason:

  • It draws directly on your existing clinical knowledge

  • It pays well (typically near or above your hourly clinical rate)

  • The vast majority of the work — case review, written reports, and consultations — can be done from home on your own schedule.


If a case proceeds to trial, you may be asked to travel for a deposition or courtroom testimony, though in practice many cases settle before reaching that stage.


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Industry talks (and other speaking opportunities)


Orthopedic surgeons are in demand as speakers across a wide range of venues, from industry-sponsored educational events and surgical technique demonstrations to medical society conferences, grand rounds, and CME lectures. If you have expertise in a particular procedure, implant system, or area of subspecialty, companies and organizations are often actively looking for credible clinical voices to present on those topics.


Industry talks, including those sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, typically involve approved content and are structured around fair market value compensation, which caps earnings but also reduces prep time and effort considerably since materials are often provided. 


Independent speaking opportunities at conferences or for professional organizations can offer more flexibility and earning potential, especially as your reputation and demand grow.


For orthopedic surgeons with a defined area of expertise, building a speaking presence can also open doors to other opportunities such as consulting and device development relationships.


Related PSG resources:



Medical device development


Few specialties are as intertwined with device innovation as orthopedic surgery. You work with implants, instruments, and technology every day, giving you a perspective on clinical needs, design flaws, and workflow inefficiencies that device companies greatly value. This offers unique expertise for medical device development, whether it’s in the form of advising for an early-stage startup, participating in the design and iteration of a new implant or surgical tool, joining a clinical advisory board, or even developing and commercializing your own device.


Advisory and long-term consulting roles with companies are the most common starting point, offering cash compensation or equity in exchange for your clinical input on design, usability, and market fit. Equity arrangements can be a common part of compensation packages, particularly with early-stage companies. Compensation through an equity stake carries risks but can offer meaningful financial upside over time as well.


For surgeons who have identified a genuine gap in the market and want to pursue their own device, the path is longer and capital intensive, but the potential upside can make it worthwhile.


Networking at industry conferences, building relationships through your existing device rep contacts, and establishing visibility through speaking or influencer work are practical ways to get in front of relevant opportunities.


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Influencer or content creator


Orthopedic surgeons have a wealth of information on content people actively search for with large, engaged audiences, including:

  • Sports injuries

  • Joint replacement decisions

  • Back and neck pain

  • Post-surgery recovery

  • Athletic performance optimization


Orthopedic surgeons who enjoy communicating and are willing to invest the time to build a platform can find meaningful opportunities as physician influencers or educational content creators.


Popular platforms include YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and podcasting, and orthopedic surgeons can find distinct niches depending on their subspecialty and personal interests.


Revenue can come from avenues such as brand partnerships, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. Building a following takes real time and upfront effort before meaningful income materializes, but those who commit to it consistently can develop income streams that grow over time and can become more passive. Plus, the visibility often creates downstream opportunities well beyond the content itself, such as speaking invitations and consulting leads.


Related PSG resources:



Ambulatory surgery center ownership


For orthopedic surgeons who perform high volumes of procedures, ownership in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) can be one of the most financially rewarding opportunities available. By operating in a facility you have a stake in, you capture a portion of the facility fee in addition to your professional fee, increasing your compensation for work you're already doing.


Ownership structures vary: you may buy into an existing single-specialty or multispecialty ASC, or participate in the development of a new facility. Upfront capital is typically required and can be substantial. The investment carries real business risks, so it's important to review the financials carefully, including the case volume, overhead costs, and utilization rates, before committing to an opportunity.


Related PSG resource:



Team doctor for sports teams


For orthopedic surgeons with a passion for athletics, serving as a team physician is a rewarding side gig that puts your skills to work in a unique environment outside of your clinical work. Opportunities exist across a wide spectrum from professional and collegiate programs to high school teams, club sports, recreational leagues, and amateur athletic events.


Pay and structure vary considerably by level and setting. Professional sports organizations and many collegiate programs offer formal paid positions, which may include a retainer, per diem coverage fees, or a combination of the two.


At the high school and community level, roles are often stipend-based or even volunteer, which may not make financial sense for everyone but can be rewarding from a lifestyle and networking standpoint. For orthopedic surgeons earlier in their careers or those building a sports medicine subspecialty reputation, a team physician role can serve as a meaningful resume builder and referral pipeline.


Scheduling is often tied to the sport's season and game calendar, which can add some predictability to planning around your existing clinical obligations. These opportunities are commonly found through local athletic programs and community connections. Networking through word of mouth and existing relationships can have more impact than searching for formal job postings.


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Concierge services (joint injections and other procedures)


Offering concierge or direct-pay procedural services is a natural extension for orthopedic surgeons who want to expand their clinical practice on their own terms, outside the constraints of insurance networks and employer expectations. Joint injections are among the most in-demand cash-pay services in musculoskeletal medicine, and many patients are willing to pay out of pocket for timely access, convenience, and a personalized experience.


This model can be structured in several ways. Some orthopedic surgeons offer concierge services through a small roster of patients seen around their existing schedule, while others run dedicated direct-pay clinic days or build a standalone cash-pay practice. Mobile concierge services are also an option to consider. Because you're operating outside insurance billing, you set your own pricing and control the scope of services, which can simplify the administrative side considerably.


Related PSG resources:



Investing (real estate, angel investing, and beyond)


Investing isn't a side gig in the traditional sense, but for orthopedic surgeons with the income and interest to pursue it, building an investment portfolio can become a meaningful and substantial source of income that operates increasingly independently of your time.


Real estate can provide relatively predictable income and long-term appreciation with varying degrees of active involvement depending on how you structure it. Popular types of real estate investing include:

  • Residential rental properties

  • Commercial real estate, including investing in medical office buildings

  • Passive investments through real estate syndications and REITs


Physicians often find real estate appealing because the asset class is tangible, the tax treatment can be favorable, and passive structures like syndications allow participation with limited management requirements. As with any investment, returns are not guaranteed and there is real capital at risk, so vetting individual opportunities carefully is essential.


Angel investing in early-stage companies, such as health tech and medical device startups, offers the potential of high returns on your investment but also carries meaningful risk of total loss. Some orthopedic surgeons invest in startups they've consulted with or advised, giving them additional context on the company's viability. If you're new to this space, it can be a good idea to start with a smaller investment amount and develop a comprehensive diligence process before scaling up.


Beyond real estate and angel investing, physicians in our community also explore options such as investing in the stock market or investing in movies. The key to successful investing is building financial literacy and understanding the risks versus reward for each of your investment activities.


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Additional side hustle resources for orthopedic surgeons


While we've outlined above some common side gig ideas for orthopedic surgeons, there's always room for creativity. If there's something you're passionate about and good at, look for ways to monetize it.


Dive deeper into some of the side gigs featured above, including:


Sign up for our free side gig matching databases (physician only) and our PSG weekly newsletter for alerts on side gig opportunities related to your interests.


Need inspiration? Join our Physician Side Gigs Facebook group and ask other orthopedic surgeons what they've enjoyed.


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