Beyond the Treatment Room: Innovative Income Strategies for Today’s Podiatrist

In today’s healthcare landscape, podiatry continues to offer a rewarding career with professional satisfaction and financial stability. Yet, as costs of living and practice operations rise, I find that even well-established practitioners are looking for innovative ways to supplement their income and maintain flexibility. A 2025 survey by Medscape revealed that 4 in 10 physicians now have a “side gig.”¹ These side hustles currently make up, on average, about 10% of these providers’ income,¹ but the shifting landscape in medicine could conceivably increase reliance on, or at least interest in, such pathways.

Fortunately, there are ample opportunities within and outside of the profession to expand one’s income. Many podiatrists have passions, hobbies, and skills that can be transformed into profitable revenue streams. Whether your interests lie in education, business, technology, or community engagement, there are numerous ways to leverage your expertise beyond direct patient care.
There are a multitude of benefits one may realize when pursuing these pathways. In my experience, these benefits can be both professional and personal, and are not always just financial. There are more opportunities than those appearing in this article, however, the aim of this piece is to highlight examples that I have observed that support our profession and continue the advancement of our physicians. 

Sharing Knowledge Beyond the Clinic

At its core, medicine is knowledge, and doctors are true educators when treating patients. To foster this spirit of healing, podiatrists become natural teachers. Our educational activities  include those with our patients and their families and extends to other medical professionals and students. Expansion of this naturally occurring role can prove both financially and emotionally rewarding. Higher education establishments, from undergraduate to medical schools, find value in the expertise that podiatrists have. Roles in universities, from adjunct faculty to higher roles such as deans, are a great way to shape future generations while allowing for personal and financial growth. Involvement in residency programs is crucial to advancing our profession, as young podiatrists look to experienced practitioners for guidance. Giving back through roles in residency programs, fellowships or continuing education organizations can allow for broader impacts in the health care community. 

Medical writing can also be another way to educate and build your profile. Medical publications often welcome submissions of scientific and nonscientific articles and case discussions for consideration. From medical advancements, coding/billing, and case reports, contributions made to medical literature may not generate income initially, but can increase your exposure to your peers and allow for a way to build your portfolio. Many medical writers are trained health care providers, and additional education is available to advance in that pathway if one so desires. Along with writing, speaking at conferences and other health-related events can provide a revenue stream. Furthermore, this increased professional visibility can lead to other opportunities for increased compensation. This can include patient guides, e-books, and contributing to health-related websites.

Turning Expertise Into Influence

Podiatrists spend years gaining knowledge and implementing it into patient care. This valuable clinical experience is perfect for a multitude of different business ventures. The skills obtained during years of grueling work can contribute to unique opportunities and new revenue streams. 

Under an increasingly litigious landscape, attorneys frequently seek expert witnesses for cases involving lower extremity injuries or potential malpractice. Scheduling meetings with lawyers specializing in medical issues can increase your connections and lead to increased opportunities for work in this area. Obtaining training in report writing and courtroom testimony increases the legitimacy of your candidacy and could open a steady consulting niche. 

Insurance or compliance companies may also find value in podiatric insight. Case review, including providing evaluation of medical necessity or other aspects of claims can offer a unique “other side of the coin” perspective. Lessons learned from such endeavors could even assist in quality improvement within your own practice.

Some doctors even develop their own branded products. The idea of products that have a physician’s support has gained popularity among patients, leading to the potential for increased revenue for the associated entities. Alternately, footwear brands, orthotic companies, and device manufacturers often need podiatric insight for product testing and design. Consulting with these companies provides both compensation and the opportunity to influence innovations in your field. If you’ve developed a product, consider licensing or partnering with manufacturers to bring it to market. 

Many podiatrists have had success in operating podiatric practices. The knowledge of how to successfully run a practice takes years of work, and often a fair amount of trial and error. Many practices fail or struggle due to avoidable mistakes. Experienced and business-savvy practitioners can help other clinics improve operations, coding, and efficiency. Young practitioners are eager to learn from seasoned doctors, creating a pathway for a mutually beneficial relationship. Offering private coaching for new podiatrists on clinical and business management may be a good fit the for the right individual. 

The Digital World

Social media and the ability to connect with with an audience instantaneously has advanced our means of communication in unprecedented ways. These advancements offer innovative opportunities for members of our profession to not only share their expertise, but to possibly monetize those efforts. Channels, platform content, podcasts, and online courses are all venues that allow outreach to current and potential patients, students and colleagues. Topics such as sports medicine, diabetic foot care, or footwear education are often in demand. Partnering with corporate sponsors can also allow for a revenue stream while broadening your image. With strategic branding, digital platforms can attract sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or paid course enrollments. These initiatives can build long-term passive income while positioning you as an authoritative voice online.

With the amount of information at our fingertips, patients are overwhelmed with information, leading to confusion. Raising your brand awareness by offering telehealth for second opinions could become a revenue stream that relies on your already established expertise. 

Online courses/webinars geared towards such groups as athletes, individuals with diabetes, and students, disseminate knowledge to the appropriate learners. Sharing your knowledge positions you as a thought leader in podiatry while building trust among peers, patients, and potential collaborators. This can lead to future opportunities for key opinion leaders.

Investment Strategies

Strategic investments can strengthen long-term financial health and can aid podiatrists in their revenue goals. Owning property that can be rented allows for increased equity. Diversifying into real estate, index funds, or small business partnerships can provide additional cash flow. When exploring these options, discussions with a financial advisor who is knowledgeable about the medical profession can aid in these endeavors and reduce risk.

Community Partnerships

Sports and fitness groups are eager to consult with professionals. Arranging lectures/meetings, educational sessions, and injury prevention clinics with sports groups, gyms, and schools can increase your brand awareness. Although these meetings may not directly contribute to revenue stream, these meetings can raise your brand awareness and support your other endeavors.

Widening Your Vision

Podiatry offers a multitude of ways to support monetary needs, and the profession can provide a great income and lifestyle for yourself and family. All of us have hobbies and other interests that we enjoy spending time on outside of the treatment rooms. With ever increasing costs associated with life, expanding your cash flow is becoming a necessity. Turning these hobbies interests into opportunities to expand your income offers a variety of benefits when undertaken thoughtfully and with the proper research. By combining clinical expertise with creativity, podiatrists can explore rewarding side ventures that align with their interests and values. The most successful opportunities are those that integrate seamlessly with your lifestyle, enhance your sense of purpose, and continue to elevate the profession of podiatry.  

Dr. Miller is a board-certified podiatrist practicing in Orlando, FL. He currently holds leadership roles with with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, the Amercian Podiatric Medical Association, and the Florida Podiatric Medical Association. 

References
1. Landry A. Side gigs for physicians boom as salaries flatten and burnout continues. Forbes. October 4, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/adairalandry/2025/10/04/side-gigs-for-physicians-boom-as-salaries-flatten-and-burnout-continues/