26 Business Ideas For Physicians [2024]

Updated: September 22nd, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a physician in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a physician could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Physicians?

We put together 26 of some of the best physician business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other physician businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a health and wellness consulting business ($148K/month)

Starting a health and wellness consulting business could be a natural extension of your expertise as a physician. Imagine guiding others to a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle by crafting personalized plans centered on better nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques. This venture taps into the growing market of individuals eager to invest in their health and well-being.

By leveraging your medical background, you could offer clients unique, evidence-based insights that elevate their wellness journey, setting you apart from other consultants who lack medical training. This side business or full-time endeavor could be deeply rewarding, enabling you to make a meaningful impact on your clients' lives beyond the clinical setting. Are you ready to inspire and transform lives while supplementing your income? Dive into health and wellness consulting today.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How This Couple Started A $100K/Month Sea Moss Infused Health Supplements Brand

Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.

Read by 30,062 founders

2. Start a competitive exams app business

As a physician, you could leverage your extensive medical knowledge and experience to develop a competitive exams app targeted at medical students and professionals preparing for exams like the USMLE, MCAT, or board certifications. This type of side business allows you to create value by offering high-quality, specialized content that addresses common pain points and knowledge gaps in medical education.

By developing an app, you could provide an innovative, user-friendly platform that includes practice questions, study guides, and timed exams, which can assist users in effectively preparing for their tests. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of medical professionals.

3. Start a skin care product line ($110K/month)

As a Physician, starting a skin care product line could be an excellent way to supplement your income and leverage your medical expertise in a rapidly expanding industry. With the global skincare market being valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.6% up to 2030, you have a substantial opportunity to capitalize on this booming sector.

Given your background, you could infuse your products with scientific credibility, ensuring they are safe and effective for improving customers' skin. Your medical knowledge could set your brand apart in a crowded market, especially in the increasingly competitive anti-aging segment.

By creatively formulating skincare products and emphasizing their clinical benefits, you could attract a loyal customer base eager for reputable and scientifically-backed solutions. This entrepreneurial venture could not only diversify your income stream but also enhance your professional portfolio.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How Two Moms Started A Business Selling Homemade Body Butter

Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.

Read by 34,862 founders

4. Start a marketing coaching business ($69.6K/month)

As a physician, you could leverage your expertise in effective communication and patient education to start a marketing coaching business. By guiding businesses to refine their messaging, you're utilizing the same skills you use daily to educate patients and clarify complex medical information. Imagine helping companies identify their unique selling points, develop tailored marketing plans, and amplify their voices—all critical elements in the world of healthcare communication.

You don't need a large upfront investment—just your knack for strategy and a passion for helping others. Offering one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, or online courses could be a flexible way to start supplementing your income. By providing actionable insights and crafting compelling content, you could help various businesses grow while enjoying a rewarding, entrepreneurial side venture.

How much you can make: $350 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,350 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Selling DIY Web Design And Marketing Courses

How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.

Read by 21,224 founders

5. Start a chess instructor

You could supplement your income as a Physician by starting a side business as a chess instructor. This venture leverages your analytical skills and strategic thinking, qualities already honed through your medical practice. Offering lessons to individuals or small groups, either in person or online, allows you to connect with various age groups seeking mental stimulation, from young learners to the elderly.

Focusing on different skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, you could create a diversified client base. Not only can this be a fulfilling way to make extra money, but it also offers the opportunity to positively impact your students' cognitive development and strategic thinking skills. Plus, your background in medicine can add credibility and a unique edge to your teaching methodology, making your services highly sought after.

6. Start a natural beauty product business ($66.8K/month)

As a physician, launching a natural beauty product business could be a perfect way to supplement your income and leverage your medical knowledge. Utilizing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter, you could create products that cater to the growing consumer demand for chemical-free, synthetic-free skincare options.

The global natural skin care products market was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, a clear indication of the robust opportunity in this sector. Your medical expertise can add a layer of trust and credibility that differentiates your products in a competitive market.

Entrepreneurial-minded physicians could explore case studies of successful beauty product lines to identify best practices and avoid potential pitfalls. What’s holding you back? Transform your passion for health and wellness into a lucrative venture.

How much you can make: $300 — $658,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How This Couple Started A $100K/Month Sea Moss Infused Health Supplements Brand

Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.

Read by 30,062 founders

7. Start a deodorant brand ($1.02M/month)

As a physician, you could leverage your medical knowledge and authority to create a unique deodorant brand that caters to health-conscious consumers seeking safe, effective, and skin-friendly options. Your understanding of dermatology and biochemistry provides you with an edge in developing formulations that address common issues like skin sensitivity and allergies, which could set your brand apart in a crowded market.

With consumer preferences evolving, you could seize the opportunity to innovate and meet the demand for natural, eco-friendly, and effective deodorant products. By researching the market, you could identify gaps in current offerings and develop a product line that resonates with your target audience.

Additionally, your position as a trusted healthcare provider can amplify your brand's credibility, making it easier to build a loyal customer base while supplementing your income or potentially paving the way for a lucrative side business.

How much you can make: $80,000 — $2,800,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How Stacia Guzzo Pivoted and Started A $58K/Month Deodorant Product

SmartyPits is a fast-growing deodorant company that has gone from making under $100,000 in 2016 to making over $500,000 by Q3 2018, after the founder's experience as a breast cancer survivor led to developing an aluminum-free deodorant.

Read by 14,372 founders

8. Organize a baking competition

As a physician with a passion for baking, you could capitalize on your organizational skills and industry network by organizing a baking competition. Not only could this serve as a fun and engaging community event, but it could also provide an additional revenue stream through participant entry fees, sponsorships, and vendor partnerships.

This venture would allow you to leverage your medical expertise by promoting healthy baking alternatives and nutritional education. By aligning the competition with charitable causes or health-focused initiatives, you could further enhance your professional reputation and community impact, making this a rewarding and lucrative side business.

9. Become an animal toymaker

As a physician with a hectic schedule, starting a side business as an animal toymaker could be a fulfilling and lucrative endeavor. Not only could crafting cat toys offer a creative outlet to balance the stress of your medical career, but you could also tap into a growing market that prioritizes the mental and physical health of pets. By creating stimulating and high-quality toys, you could help pet owners keep their cats active and happy, potentially alleviating issues like boredom and depression in pets.

You could begin this venture with minimal investment, as making cat toys typically does not require specialized equipment. Whether you choose to sell your products at local craft fairs or through an online store, the flexibility of this business allows you to manage it alongside your medical responsibilities. Additionally, offering custom toys could provide an even more personalized service, catering to the specific needs and preferences of clients' pets, ultimately positioning you as a unique and sought-after brand in the pet care industry.

10. Start a ngo

As a physician, starting an NGO offers a unique opportunity to leverage your medical expertise to address pressing healthcare issues and contribute to societal well-being on a larger scale. You could focus on areas such as providing medical aid in underserved communities, offering health education, or supporting medical research. This not only supplements your income but also enhances your professional fulfillment by making a tangible impact beyond the confines of your practice.

Additionally, running an NGO can open doors to diverse funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships with other organizations, expanding your network and influence. You could utilize your medical knowledge to secure resources, volunteer support, and community engagement, thereby creating a sustainable model that benefits both your career and societal health outcomes.

Moreover, establishing an NGO allows you to be at the forefront of innovative health solutions and advocacy, potentially influencing policy changes and improving healthcare systems. This entrepreneurial venture can be a rewarding extension of your medical career, providing both personal satisfaction and broader community benefits.

11. Start a freight forwarding business

Starting a freight forwarding business could be a lucrative side venture for you as a physician, particularly given the complexities and logistical challenges involved in this field. Businesses often struggle to track their goods due to the heavy documentation and tedious processes inherent to freight forwarding, making your service highly valuable. By leveraging your organizational skills and eye for detail, you could help businesses bridge the gap between them and shipping companies, ensuring successful delivery.

To launch a successful freight forwarding business, you would need to study the competition and identify existing gaps that you could fill. Estimating the initial costs and understanding the operational requirements will be essential steps in ensuring your new venture thrives. Your ability to diagnose and solve problems in medicine could translate well into resolving logistical issues and cutting through red tape, making freight forwarding a promising entrepreneurial endeavor for you.

How much you can make: $1,080,000/month

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

These Brothers Are Redefining The Import/Export Industry And Grew Their Business To $12M/Year

DocShipper is a digital freight forwarding and sourcing company that offers a one-stop-shop solution for companies and e-commerce business owners throughout the supply chain, which saw over 700% growth in 2021 with a turnover of $4.9 million.

Read by 4,128 founders

12. Start an airbnb consulting business

As a physician with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore the lucrative world of Airbnb consulting to supplement your income. This business complements your problem-solving skills and attention to detail, as you would advise property owners on optimizing their listings, enhancing guest experiences, and maximizing earnings through meticulous market analysis and strategic planning.

An Airbnb consulting venture requires understanding local regulations, hospitality trends, and effective marketing techniques. Your analytical capabilities and commitment to excellence can help clients maintain high guest ratings and occupancy rates. With the growing interest in home-sharing, your expertise could be instrumental in helping hosts navigate the competitive market and achieve success.

How much you can make: $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)

We Quit Our 9 To 5 To Start An Airbnb Cleaning Service. Now We Make $1.4M/Year

Former banker builds a vacation rental cleaning service from $800 to gross over a million dollars a year, providing opportunities for underserved communities to provide income through connecting top-rated cleaners to hosts in need through a referral model offering cleaning services, marketing, sales, accounting, bookkeeping, technology and more while empowering cleaners to provide fair and sustainable pricing, offering free resources and education through a short term rental podcast, and expanding to help as many hosts and cleaning services as possible.

Read by 3,188 founders

13. Start an ice cream truck business

As a physician with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting an ice cream truck business could provide you with a fun and profitable way to supplement your income. You could capitalize on nostalgic childhood memories and leverage high-traffic areas to maximize your profits. By being your own boss, you gain the flexibility to manage this venture alongside your medical career.

Furthermore, identifying gaps in the local ice cream market allows you to offer unique flavors or experiences, setting your business apart from competitors. This side business could not only help you achieve your financial goals but also bring a sense of joy and community engagement. With a well-thought-out business plan and a customized truck, your ice cream business could thrive, offering a refreshing break from your daily medical routine.

14. Start a 420 friendly airbnb business

A 420-friendly Airbnb business could be an excellent side venture for a physician looking to supplement their income. Imagine offering a serene hideaway where cannabis enthusiasts can relax and enjoy a judgment-free environment; this unique selling point can set your property apart in a crowded market.

Given your understanding of patient care and wellness, you could create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and ensures a hassle-free stay for your guests. Additionally, with the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis, this niche market offers a promising opportunity to tap into a specific and appreciative audience.

Starting this business would require a property in a location where cannabis use is legal, as well as basic hospitality setups like cleaning services and guest communication. However, your medical background could enhance the experience, providing an extra layer of trust and care that could attract more discerning guests.

How much you can make: $18,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Went From Property Manager To Starting An $18K/Month 420-Friendly Airbnb

Vibesbnb, a cannabis-friendly lodging service similar to Airbnb, has handled over 5,000 reservations related to cannabis tourism and generates a monthly booking revenue of $13k to $18k, offering a community that eliminates smoking fines, cancellations, and discourages police activity centered around the possession of cannabis, and recommends a framework of policy to host and guest.

Read by 4,747 founders

15. Start a storage locker business ($53K/month)

As a physician, you could explore the potential of supplementing your income by starting a storage locker business, a venture with consistent demand and minimal operational complexities. Renting secure storage spaces to individuals and businesses provides a steady stream of clients, whether it's for storing personal items during moves or housing business inventory. This demand ensures a reliable and recurring revenue.

Given your busy schedule, the manageable nature of this business could be attractive, especially if you establish efficient management practices and invest in robust security measures. While there is an initial investment in property, construction, and marketing, the long-term benefits of stable, recurring income make it a promising side business or even a primary entrepreneurial endeavor.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $100,000/month

How I Turned A $5 Google Ad Into A Million Dollar Startup

Bounce CEO Cody Candee shares his experience co-founding a successful short-term storage marketplace which generated over $100k in annualized revenue within the first seven months of operation, expanding to new cities and offering more options such as delivery.

Read by 15,627 founders

16. Start a cell phone tracking

If you're a physician with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a cell phone tracking business could be a compelling way to supplement your income. By developing a secure, user-friendly application that allows individuals and businesses to track cell phone locations in real-time, you could tap into a vast market. From parents wanting to ensure their children's safety to logistics companies needing to monitor deliveries, the potential client base is substantial.

Additionally, this venture could leverage subscription models, providing a steady income stream over time. You could even expand into related services like emergency response integration or personal safety apps, offering an array of reliable solutions. If you have a knack for technology and a keen eye for security, this could be a lucrative side business or potentially a full-time endeavor.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Built An Android Tracking App That Makes $300K/Year [From Cyprus]

Spapp Monitoring is an Android tracking app for parents and employers, started as a side project and now making $300k a year through organic traffic from Google Play and the company's website.

Read by 3,589 founders

17. Start a 3D architecture business

If you are a physician with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a 3D architecture business could be a unique and lucrative opportunity to supplement your income. Utilizing your meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills, you could create photo-realistic 3D images or animations for proposed buildings and developments. The high demand and above-average profit margins in this industry make it an attractive venture.

Additionally, you could specialize in areas closely related to your medical expertise, such as designing state-of-the-art medical facilities or hospital wards. The versatility of 3D printing technology also allows you to explore various niches such as interior design or even medical device prototypes, offering endless possibilities for growth and innovation. Overall, a 3D architecture business could be a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time venture, aligning well with your medical background and entrepreneurial mindset.

How much does it cost to start: $10 (?)

18. Start a pvc recycling business

As a physician, you could leverage your organizational and analytical skills to start a PVC recycling business, supplementing your income while contributing to environmental sustainability. Understanding that Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a widely used and durable plastic polymer can help you recognize the potential for high returns, given the constant supply of PVC waste from construction industries.

By transforming unused PVC into valuable products, you could create a profitable side business without disrupting your primary medical practice. Establishing a detailed business plan and getting your new venture registered would be the first steps towards this eco-friendly entrepreneurial endeavor, offering not just financial benefits but also the satisfaction of making a positive environmental impact.

19. Start a vr-based sports streaming service ($225K/month)

As a physician with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could consider starting a VR-based sports streaming service to supplement your income and explore innovative technology. By leveraging VR, you could provide an immersive experience where users feel like they are courtside at major games such as the US Open or Golden State Warriors' matches without the need for costly travel and concessions. This service could appeal to sports enthusiasts who seek the excitement of live events from the comfort of their homes.

Your medical background equips you with detailed knowledge and dedication to enhancing user experiences, which could translate well into delivering high-quality VR sports content. Additionally, as VR technology continues to advance and gain popularity, you could tap into an expanding market eager for new and exciting ways to consume sports. This venture offers not just a fun and profitable business opportunity, but also a platform to keep pushing the envelope in both your primary profession and entrepreneurial pursuits.

How much you can make: $150,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $150K/Month Platform Where Streamers Can Monetize Their Audience

Streamloots is a marketplace where viewers can buy real-time interactions with live streamers, allowing content creators to monetize their audiences and earning over $1M in just the last quarter with a community of more than 12K active streamers.

Read by 11,112 founders

20. Start a horse appraiser business

If you have a passion for equine care and strong diagnostic skills, starting a horse appraiser business could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a physician. Your medical background equips you with a keen eye for health assessments, which is crucial in accurately appraising the value of horses based on their physical condition and potential for performance.

By leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail, you could offer expert evaluations to horse owners, buyers, and insurance companies, setting yourself apart with a reputation for thorough and precise assessments. This could be an ideal entrepreneurial venture that allows you to combine your medical expertise with a love for horses, while also opening doors to professional networking within the equine industry.

21. Start a trading business ($86K/month)

As a physician, you could leverage your analytical skills and market understanding to start a trading business, supplementing your income. Trading involves sourcing products at lower prices from manufacturers or wholesalers and selling them at a higher margin to retailers or directly to consumers, making it a viable method of wealth-building.

With your meticulous planning capabilities and commitment to strategic decision-making, you could identify market trends and establish reliable supplier relationships effectively. Furthermore, your ability to stay updated on market dynamics could help you capitalize on shifting consumer demands, leading to substantial profits.

If you have a keen eye for numbers and negotiation skills, starting a trading business could be a sustainable and rewarding venture alongside your medical career. By maintaining a well-managed inventory and understanding supply chain logistics, this entrepreneurial endeavor could offer significant financial rewards.

How much you can make: $12,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Investment Membership Community

This case study is about a successful entrepreneur who created Net Net Hunter, a membership community focused on a niche investment strategy that now earns $12k per month by providing a list of roughly 1000 international net-nets and filter through them by hand to identify the top 40 or 50 to focus research efforts on, and has since moved on to creating a new start-up project.

Read by 7,301 founders

22. Start a stock market app business

As a physician with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could consider the lucrative potential of starting a stock market app business to supplement your income or even create an entirely new revenue stream. Leveraging the ubiquitous need for comfort and convenience, your app could cater to stock brokers and traders by providing user-friendly interfaces to facilitate commission-free stock and ETF transactions, attract customers, and grow your business.

The increased adoption of these apps has opened up significant opportunities for creative and tech-savvy professionals. By combining your expertise in problem-solving, attention to detail, and a commitment to high-quality service, you could collaborate with skilled developers to build a top-tier platform—offering research tools, portfolio tracking, and rapid trade execution. This venture not only diversifies your income but also taps into a high-demand market, paving the way for future growth and innovation.

How much you can make: $4,000/month

How long does it take to build: 350 days (?)

How I Started A $3K/Month Website Focused On Educating Traders

Camelbacktrading founder Paul Asmar has found success in the volatile trading business by offering affordable and personalized education and training to traders of all ages, and has grown his voice channel trading room from 0 to 130 traders in just three months.

Read by 9,168 founders

23. Start a preschool educational app business

As a physician, you could leverage your extensive medical knowledge and understanding of early childhood development to create a preschool educational app. This side business could not only generate supplementary income but also contribute to the well-being and cognitive growth of young children. Your medical background would allow you to design app content that is evidence-based and promotes healthy developmental milestones.

Moreover, the flexibility of app development means you could manage this venture alongside your medical practice, offering you an opportunity to diversify your career without sacrificing your primary profession. With the growing need for quality educational resources among parents and educators, a well-crafted preschool educational app could meet a significant market demand while also enabling you to continue making a positive impact on children's lives outside the clinical setting.

24. Start an event IT support business ($17.8K/month)

Starting an event IT support business could be an appealing venture for a physician looking to diversify their income streams. With your problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations, you could excel in managing the technical aspects of events, ensuring that Wi-Fi connections, projectors, sound systems, and live streaming setups run seamlessly.

This could be a particularly rewarding side business if you enjoy the fast-paced environment and the mix of technical expertise and customer service. Events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate meetings always require reliable IT support, making this a high-demand field where your services would be invaluable to event organizers.

How much you can make: $300 — $30,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

On Launching My Daily Micro-Journaling Cards

PurposeCards, a daily micro-journaling card business founded by Jared Gold, has raised $1,565 since launching its Kickstarter campaign on March 24th, with its minimalist and credit card-sized design providing users with an easy, tangible way to track their daily focus and goals.

Read by 6,663 founders

25. Start a cloud based training service

Starting a cloud-based training service could be an excellent way for you, as a physician, to leverage your expertise and diversify your income streams. You could develop and offer specialized courses aimed at medical professionals looking to enhance their skills, fulfill continuing medical education (CME) requirements, or stay updated with the latest advancements in their field. These courses could cover a wide range of topics, from advanced surgical techniques to patient communication strategies.

Given your medical background, you could create high-quality, evidence-based content that other healthcare providers would find invaluable. By utilizing cloud technology, you could make these courses accessible globally, allowing you to reach a broader audience while maintaining a flexible work schedule. This venture not only supplements your income but also establishes you as a thought leader in the medical community, creating multiple avenues for professional growth.

26. Start a barn sitter business

For physicians seeking a side business that offers a peaceful respite from the high-stress medical environment, starting a barn sitter business could be a fulfilling option. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to leverage your attention to detail, responsibility, and reliability—traits honed through your medical career—while working in a serene, rural setting.

As a barn sitter, you could take care of horses and other livestock for owners who are away, ensuring that their animals are well-fed, exercised, and healthy. This opportunity not only supplements your income but also provides a therapeutic break from the rigors of medical practice, offering you the chance to connect with nature and animals.

meet the author
Pat Walls