25 Side Business Ideas For Doctors and Medical Practitioners [2024]

Updated: September 3rd, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

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

We put together 25 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)

Starting a therapy business could be an excellent way to supplement your income and leverage your existing medical expertise. As a doctor, you already possess a profound understanding of human health, which would be invaluable in helping patients cope with mental and emotional challenges. By becoming a licensed therapist, you could diversify your professional services and provide holistic care to your patients.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for mental health services, making it an opportune time to enter this field. By earning the necessary certifications and licenses, you could open a therapy practice either independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary clinic. This not only offers the potential for significant extra income but also allows you to make a broader impact on patient well-being.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Make A Living As A Professional Cuddler

Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.

Read by 16,836 founders

2. Start a health and wellness blog ($175K/month)

As a doctor, you could leverage your expertise and passion for health and wellness by starting a blog to share valuable insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By covering topics such as nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, and holistic wellness, you could provide readers with trustworthy and scientifically-backed information that not only educates but also empowers them to make healthier choices.

Engaging with readers through comments, social media, and collaborations with brands and other experts can further extend your reach and influence. This side venture requires dedication and a consistent content creation strategy, but it offers the rewarding experience of positively impacting lives, providing professional fulfillment beyond your typical practice, and supplementing your income.

How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Developed A $300K/Month Wearable That Reduces Stress

This case study article follows Vicki Mayo, who developed a stress-reducing wearable product for her company TouchPoint, which achieved over $2 million in sales in the first couple of years and has been used for stress relief over 3 million times.

Read by 6,997 founders

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

Starting a health and wellness consulting business could be an excellent opportunity for you as a doctor to supplement your income while leveraging your existing medical expertise. Imagine guiding others to achieve a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle by advising them on improving their nutrition, physical activity, and stress management techniques. This venture taps into a growing market of individuals eager to invest in their health, making it a potentially lucrative side business.

In this role, you could craft personalized wellness plans that align with each client’s unique needs and goals, drawing on your extensive knowledge of human health. While a medical degree legitimizes your advice, obtaining additional certifications in wellness can bolster your credibility further. Embarking on this path not only offers financial benefits but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on people's lives, fostering a greater sense of personal and professional fulfillment.

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 30,057 founders

4. Start an online furniture business ($204K/month)

Starting an online furniture business offers doctors a unique opportunity to blend creativity with entrepreneurship. You could create a virtual store providing high-quality, customizable furniture, tapping into niche markets like eco-friendly or ergonomic designs that cater to health-conscious consumers. This venture would enable you to leverage your expertise in ergonomics and health, offering products that enhance well-being—something you’re already passionate about.

By setting up an e-commerce platform and focusing on digital marketing, you could attract a diverse customer base while enjoying the benefits of flexible working hours, allowing you to balance your medical practice with your business. Managing logistics, such as shipping and warehousing, can be streamlined by partnering with fulfillment centers, letting you focus on the strategic aspects of the business. With the growing trend of online shopping, this could prove to be a financially rewarding side business or even a full-time endeavor over time.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A $300K/Month Premium Office Furniture Business

Branch Office Furniture offers a new approach to the office furniture industry, selling high-quality furniture directly to businesses with space design, delivery, and installation included at one-third to one-half of the price of comparable quality products, resulting in over $1M in sales since launching in Q1 of 2019.

Read by 18,056 founders

5. Become a video producer

As a doctor, venturing into video production could provide a dynamic way to supplement your income while leveraging your medical expertise. You could create educational content, such as explainer videos on complex medical procedures, wellness tips, or condition management guides, which could be highly valuable for patients and fellow healthcare professionals. This niche not only helps disseminate important medical knowledge but also establishes you as a thought leader in your field.

Moreover, video content has become an essential tool in digital marketing and patient engagement, offering multiple revenue streams through ad placements, sponsorships, and partnerships. By employing high-quality production techniques, you could produce premium content that can be monetized on platforms like YouTube or through direct subscriptions. This can diversify your income while allowing you to creatively share your medical insights with a broader audience.

6. Start a coupon books business

As a doctor, you could leverage your extensive network and community influence to start a coupon book business that provides discounts for health-related services, wellness products, and local businesses. This venture would not only allow you to generate supplemental income but also foster stronger relationships within your community by offering valuable savings to your patients and neighbors.

By partnering with local gyms, pharmacies, health food stores, and other wellness-oriented businesses, you could create a comprehensive coupon book that appeals to health-conscious individuals. Additionally, your expertise and credibility in the healthcare field could add a layer of trust and authority to your business, making the coupon book more appealing and marketable.

Such a business would require minimal time compared to your primary practice, as the initial focus would be on establishing partnerships and compiling offers, which can be done during your off-hours. Ultimately, this side business not only enhances your professional reputation but also provides a meaningful way to contribute positively to your community.

7. Start a bag brand ($104K/month)

As a doctor, starting a bag brand could be a unique and enriching way to supplement your income while engaging in a creative endeavor. Bags are a staple accessory with surging demand in the fashion industry, making now an ideal time to turn this entrepreneurial dream into reality. With your knowledge of health and ergonomics, you could design bags that are not only stylish but also offer practical benefits, such as better support for posture or compartments that cater to medical professionals' needs.

Having a clear vision of your brand is crucial—perhaps focusing on functionality and aesthetic appeal tailored for busy professionals like yourself. Ensure your brand name is memorable and easy to spell, which will help it stand out in a crowded market. Consistently maintain your branding materials and offer a diverse product line with different styles and sizes to attract a broad customer base, thereby increasing the potential for business success.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 29 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Luxury Shoes And Accessories Brand

16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.

Read by 21,313 founders

8. Launch a skill development platform ($80.8K/month)

If empowering others to learn and grow sounds appealing, consider launching a skill development platform. As a doctor, you could create an online space where healthcare professionals and aspiring medical students can acquire new skills through courses, tutorials, and live sessions. This could range from basic medical procedures to advanced patient care techniques.

Think about the demand for continuous professional development in the medical field—whether it's mastering telemedicine, enhancing diagnostic skills, or learning about the latest medical research. There's a vast audience eager to pay for quality learning resources tailored specifically to their career needs. Moreover, your expertise and experience in the medical industry give you a unique advantage to create high-value, credible content.

By thoughtfully planning content creation, platform development, and marketing strategies, you could turn this idea into a thriving business. Partnering with other medical experts to develop comprehensive courses and investing in user-friendly website features will set your platform apart. Not only does this venture provide value to your audience's lives, but it also holds the potential for significant growth and recurring revenue.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $160,000/month

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

On Creating A Set Of Training And Skill Development Programs

Mindynamics, an Indian-based training and skill development company, successfully pivoted to e-learning during the pandemic and achieved over 100 events in the past year, expanding to five countries and offering individual and corporate training programs, while also helping trainers with technology challenges and content creation.

Read by 4,438 founders

9. Start an ebay consultant business

Starting an eBay consultant business could be an excellent way for doctors to leverage their analytical skills and detailed-oriented nature. By helping individuals and small businesses optimize their listings, manage inventory, and increase sales on eBay, you could transform your medical expertise into a lucrative side income. Your ability to understand and navigate complex systems can translate well into the e-commerce world, where strategic thinking is essential for success.

Moreover, this venture offers flexibility, allowing you to work around your demanding medical schedule. You could start by offering consultation services, guiding sellers on pricing strategies, keyword optimization, and best practices for customer service. As you build your reputation, you could gradually expand into a full-fledged business, potentially hiring a small team to handle various operational aspects. This side business not only supplements your income but also opens up new opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

10. Start a gas plant servicing business

As a doctor, starting a gas plant servicing business could provide you with an entrepreneurial opportunity to diversify your income. Given that gas plant maintenance is crucial for the safety and operational efficiency of oil and gas installations, there is a consistent demand for these services. Your medical background in attention to detail and stringent adherence to safety protocols could translate well to managing a business that offers preventive and predictive maintenance.

Moreover, oil and gas companies generally prefer contracting plant maintenance professionals over maintaining their own equipment and staff. This presents a lucrative market opportunity for offering services like responding to equipment breakdowns, detecting and repairing gas leaks, and managing control panel manufacturing and repairs. Leveraging your analytical skills and precision as a doctor could enhance the quality and reliability of the services your business provides, setting it apart in a competitive industry.

11. Start a flower preservation business

Starting a flower preservation business could be an excellent way for doctors to supplement their income and indulge in a creative side hustle. With your medical background, attention to detail, and steady hands, transitioning into the meticulous craft of resin flower preservation could come naturally. This business capitalizes on significant life events, like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries—occasions that people cherish and wish to remember through preserved floral arrangements.

Not only could this venture provide a flexible schedule that fits around your medical practice, but it also serves a different market, allowing you to diversify your income streams. Your ability to empathize and connect with clients on an emotional level can further differentiate your flower preservation business, making it both personal and professional.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How I Started A $65K/Month Luxurious Artificial Flower Arrangements Business

Sharon Demmery started a luxury artificial flower arrangement business from scratch and now achieves sales of around £50k/month, focusing on creating bespoke and unique products with high margins and low competition, while building a loyal customer base through organic social media efforts and referrals.

Read by 19,653 founders

12. Start a crayfish processing business

For entrepreneurial-minded doctors, starting a crayfish processing business could be a lucrative way to supplement your income and diversify your investments. Given crayfish's popularity among health-conscious consumers due to its low fat and carbohydrate content, your understanding of health and wellness trends could provide a significant market advantage.

While the initial setup, including finding a reliable supply and the necessary capital, may seem daunting, your analytical skills and attention to detail can prove invaluable. Moreover, your ability to study and understand market demands can help you identify the best opportunities within the seafood industry, offering the potential for substantial returns on investment.

13. Start a wedding gown business

As a doctor with a keen interest in fashion, you could leverage the growing wedding wear market, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.52%, by starting a wedding gown business. This side venture could allow you to diversify your income streams, tapping into the lucrative industry where couples spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire.

Your medical profession's attention to detail and commitment to excellence would translate well into creating high-quality, bespoke wedding gowns. Additionally, owning a wedding gown business could offer a creative outlet and provide a refreshing contrast to your daily medical practice.

14. Start a door installations business

As a doctor with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore starting a door installations business to supplement your income. Leveraging your meticulous attention to detail and precision, attributes critical in the medical field, you can ensure high-quality work that satisfies your clients’ needs. This business could be a practical avenue for utilizing practical skills during your free time or involving family members to manage it, ensuring continuity without requiring a full-time commitment from you.

Additionally, the door installation industry offers a relatively moderate barrier to entry compared to other markets, with fewer initial investments for tools and advertising. Given the consistent demand for home improvement services, including new doors for security or aesthetic purposes, this venture could provide a steady secondary income stream. You might even find personal fulfillment in engaging in a hands-on craft, contrasting with your primary medical responsibilities.

15. Create a party game products

As a doctor, leveraging your understanding of human psychology and stress relief, you could create party game products designed to foster social interaction and relaxation. Your medical expertise enables you to develop games that encourage healthy mental practices, all while providing fun and engaging experiences for users. This could be a perfect outlet for your entrepreneurial spirit, allowing you to create products that bring joy and connect people, which can be especially rewarding in today's fast-paced world.

Developing these games could also provide a new revenue stream and diversify your professional portfolio. By tapping into the growing market for interactive and team-building entertainment, you could establish a unique niche that combines your medical knowledge with creative design. Whether marketed to patients, colleagues, or the general public, your party game products could serve as a meaningful way to enhance well-being and make extra income outside of your primary medical practice.

16. Start a musical dvds business

As a doctor, starting a musical DVDs business could provide a creative and profitable outlet that complements your existing career. Given the demanding nature of the medical profession, a side business involving musical DVDs can be managed with flexible hours, allowing you to balance it alongside your practice. You could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail to curate high-quality musical DVDs that appeal to a wide audience.

Moreover, your ability to reach out to a diverse clientele through your medical network could offer a significant advantage in marketing your products. This side business could serve as a stress-relief outlet, combining your passion for music with entrepreneurial pursuits, enabling you to supplement your income in an innovative way.

17. Start a sewing pet clothes

As a doctor, you could consider starting a sewing pet clothes business to diversify your income while tapping into a booming market. The pet wearables market has experienced significant growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue, presenting a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals. By leveraging your detail-oriented skills and commitment to quality, you could create high-quality, custom pet clothes that cater to the increasingly sophisticated demands of pet owners.

Dedicating some of your downtime to sewing pet clothes could provide a creative and fulfilling outlet, contrasting the high-stress environment of medical practice. Additionally, you could market your products to your network of colleagues, patients, and through online platforms, further expanding your potential customer base. This side business could not only supplement your income but also offer a rewarding balance to your professional life.

18. Start a HVAC rental business

As a doctor, venturing into an HVAC rental business could present a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income with relatively low ongoing involvement. Your initial investment in equipment and rental management can generate a steady revenue stream while you focus on your medical practice. Given your existing ties to the community, leveraging local networks for marketing could be highly effective.

Moreover, understanding the pain points of operating critical equipment in controlled environments might give you a unique perspective on how to market and maintain these units efficiently. The HVAC industry is essential year-round, offering consistent demand whether for residential or commercial needs, making it a robust side business to complement your medical career.

19. Security Consultant

As a doctor, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to transition into a role as a Security Consultant. This side business could involve providing advice and services to protect an organization's assets against cyberattacks, a field that has seen increasing demand due to the complexity of modern computer networks.

With your strong problem-solving abilities and methodical approach, you could help organizations safeguard their data, ensuring their operations remain secure. The earning potential is also significant, with annual salaries ranging between $103,478 to $145,343 in the United States, offering a lucrative supplement to your medical career.

Given the growing need for cybersecurity expertise, your background could set you apart, providing a unique perspective to help clients navigate security challenges effectively.

How much you can make: $500,000/month

How I Started A $6M/Year Background Check Software Business

Safe Hiring Solutions, a security technology company that provides comprehensive background checks for schools, ministries, volunteer organizations, and corporations has more than 7,000 clients and has been included on the Inc 5000 list the past five years, with a number 16 ranking for the fastest-growing private company in the Indianapolis region by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Read by 10,893 founders

20. Start an inflatable products business

As a doctor, you could leverage your medical knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to start an inflatable products business. This could include items such as inflatable medical tents, isolation units, or even inflatable rehabilitation equipment that could be used in various healthcare settings. By identifying the specific needs within the medical community, you could develop specialized products that cater to those needs, thereby offering valuable solutions that are both innovative and practical.

In addition to the specialized medical products, you might explore other high-demand items like inflatable playgrounds, sport courts, or even inflatable advertising structures, which could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and community health events. This venture could supplement your income while allowing you to stay connected to the medical field in a unique way. With the reputation and network you have as a medical professional, you could quickly establish credibility and trust in this niche market.

21. Start a white label CRM business ($82.5K/month)

Starting a white label CRM business could be a lucrative side venture for doctors looking to supplement their income and leverage their existing professional network. By partnering with a white label CRM company that offers customizable solutions for small businesses, you could provide tailored CRM and marketing automation services to healthcare practitioners and other small business clients. This allows you to monetize your expertise while offering valuable efficiency solutions to your peers.

With your medical background, you understand the specific needs and challenges that healthcare providers face, making you well-positioned to offer a CRM system that truly meets their requirements. Additionally, the streamlined process of signing up for a white label agreement, adding your logo and branding, and reselling the service means you could quickly launch and scale this business without a substantial time commitment.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $160,000/month

How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,017 founders

22. Start a sell on social media platforms

For entrepreneurial doctors, starting a side business on social media presents a unique opportunity to supplement your income and reach a broad audience cost-effectively. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, you could market and sell healthcare-related products or services. Whether it's wellness guides, specialized medical equipment, or even health-focused lifestyle products, social media enables you to connect with potential clients quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, your visibility and credibility as a medical professional will enhance trust and attract more engagement. Packaging your products attractively and encouraging friends and followers to review and provide feedback can significantly boost your reach and reliability. This strategy not only expands your business opportunities but also allows you to make meaningful contributions to public health and wellness.

23. Start an architecture blog

Starting an architecture blog could be an intriguing side business for doctors with an interest in architecture and design. By creating an industry-specific newsletter, you could share your passion for architectural trends and local practices while monetizing your insights. Updating the blog regularly with inspiring and personal content can attract a loyal readership and generate income through advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

This endeavor allows you to leverage your analytical skills as a doctor to discuss architecture in a unique and structured way. It also offers a creative outlet that can balance the rigor of your medical career while supplementing your income. Engaging with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could transform your architectural interests into a profitable and fulfilling side business.

How much you can make: $63,500/month

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

How I Started A $63K/Month Custom Built Treehouse Business And Got Featured In Over 85 Publications

Founder, Dustin Feider, shares how he started O2 Treehouse Commercial, a custom-built treehouse business generating $63K/month, which has been featured in over 85 publications and has a two-year backlog of projects waiting, along with the launch of Treewalkers, a treehouse hospitality franchise seeking to reconnect people with nature on a larger scale through a crowdfunding equity campaign via StartEngine.

Read by 6,582 founders

24. Start a pumpkin store business

Starting a pumpkin store business could offer a unique and seasonal opportunity for doctors and medical practitioners to supplement their income. Given the seasonal nature of pumpkins, you could balance this endeavor with your medical practice by focusing on a limited yet high-demand period each year, particularly in the fall. Managed well, this venture could capitalize on the popularity of pumpkins for Halloween and Thanksgiving, drawing in families and community members who are already looking for festive decorations and seasonal produce.

Furthermore, launching a pumpkin store could allow you to leverage your existing community connections, making it easier to market your new business to establish a loyal customer base quickly. Entrepreneurs in the medical field could find this type of business particularly fulfilling, offering a creative and enjoyable diversion from daily challenges and opportunities to engage with the community in a different context. By exploring this side business, you could not only increase your income but also build a fun and seasonal tradition in your locality.

25. Start a financial planning business

As a doctor, you could leverage your trust and credibility to start a financial planning business, specifically targeting fellow medical professionals. You have a unique understanding of the financial challenges and goals that healthcare professionals face, such as managing student debt, planning for retirement, and investing wisely. This insider knowledge could set you apart from other financial planners who lack direct insights into the medical field.

Additionally, your analytical skills and attention to detail, honed through years of medical practice, would serve you well in the world of financial planning. Whether you choose to offer personalized financial advice or create resources like online courses and webinars, this side business could serve as a lucrative supplement to your income or even develop into a thriving standalone venture. Moreover, having a financial planning business could also provide you with valuable insights to better manage your own finances, enhancing both your personal and professional life.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.