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Moonlighting Guidelines

Moonlighting is a common practice among residents and fellows, allowing them to earn extra money and gain additional experience. URMC is progressive in recognizing its benefits and in making provision for the practice. Of course, moonlighting is neither a requirement nor a right; it’s a privilege. However, we do accommodate and even encourage it.  As long as your moonlighting doesn’t interfere with our program policies or your training responsibilities, URMC is happy to support you.

URMC defines moonlighting as clinical activities outside the residency/fellowship training program, for which the trainee is paid over and above the approved program salary. Psychiatry residents who wish to earn additional income through elective outside professional opportunities are permitted to do so following the first half of the PGY-2 year. This requires approval from the Program Director based on satisfactory performance of clinical responsibilities and educational progress. Although a New York State medical license is not required for residency training, it is required for any additional professional activities.

The types of moonlighting opportunities that exist in Psychiatry are:

  • Supervised Extra Work Shifts – PGY-2, 3, 4s and PGY-5s who have not yet obtained the secondary appointment.  Works dependently as credentialed, supervised by attending of record.  Payment is by extra compensation.  Professional liability insurance provided by Strong Health covers these activities.  May not bill for services.  Requires privileges through the Credentials & Privilege Review Office.
  • Independent Practice Outside of Program  - must be Board Eligible (at least PGY-5).  Provides patient care in the board eligible/certified field outside of the duties of the training program.  Professional liability insurance is provided by the Department.  May bill for services.  Requires secondary appointment as Instructor, and privileges through the Credentials & Privilege Review Office.

The hourly extra compensation rate in Strong Behavioral Health varies from $50 to $100, depending on level of training and responsibility.

Complete information on moonlighting—from policies and requirements to categories and application forms—can be found in the Psychiatry Resident/Fellow Policy Manual, starting on page 68.