Resident Moonlighting in Radiology

The indebtedness of medical school graduates has increased dramatically, and this indebtedness, combined with a shortage of radiologists, may result in more moonlighting by radiology residents. Residents may choose to moonlight for an institution not affiliated with the residency program (external moonlighting) or within the same institution as the residency program (internal moonlighting). If residents choose to engage in external moonlighting, they must have a full medical license and separate malpractice insurance and should be aware of their liability. Internal moonlighting is permissible under a resident's limited license and the malpractice coverage provided by the residency but must be within the duty hour requirements of the residency program. Residents with J-1 visas may engage only in internal moonlighting duties that are specifically part of the training program. Internal moonlighting under the control of the residency program offers the most opportunity to supervise residents to make sure that the patient care they are providing is commensurate with their level of experience.