Factors affecting residents' decisions to moonlight

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Workforce Studies
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Moonlighting among resident physicians is a growing concern for program administrators.
• Extensive moonlighting may compromise patient care due to demanding residency schedules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing residents' decisions to engage in moonlighting.
• To identify key motivators and predictors of resident moonlighting behavior.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of factors affecting residents' moonlighting decisions.
• Statistical examination of the impact of financial, personal, and professional variables.

Main Results:

• Economic factors, particularly medical school indebtedness and stipend amounts, are primary drivers of moonlighting.
• Residents moonlight more when opportunities are available and they have more off-duty hours.
• Personal characteristics and specialty choice have a lesser influence compared to financial and time-related factors.

Conclusions:

• Financial incentives and opportunities are the most significant determinants of resident moonlighting.
• Residency program administrators can potentially influence moonlighting rates through targeted interventions.