Physicians often look to side gigs as a way to diversify income, expand skills, or pursue personal passions. But how can you balance these ventures with the intense demands of patient care? Lucens member Shehzad Batliwala, DO, MGM, shares practical advice on managing multiple responsibilities while staying aligned with your greater goals.

Question:

I’m thinking about starting a side project outside of medicine—maybe something creative or business-related—but I’m not sure how to balance it with my clinical work. How do you manage everything without letting one thing impact the other?
— J.S., New York

Shehz:

When you’re thinking about taking on a side gig, the first question you need to ask yourself is: Why am I doing this? It’s not enough to want to fill your time or prove something to yourself or others. Your side gig should align with your bigger mission or purpose. For me, it’s always been about doing things that enrich my life—whether that’s real estate, podcasting, or content creation. If the venture doesn’t fuel your passion or contribute to a greater goal, it could end up feeling like just another source of stress.

Once you’re clear on your purpose, the next step is understanding that you can’t do it all yourself. Delegation is essential. For example, I rely heavily on my virtual assistants. They handle time-consuming tasks like booking travel, managing my emails, organizing my calendar, and even assisting with research for my podcast. By offloading these responsibilities, I free up mental and physical bandwidth to focus on the aspects of my work that truly matter—both clinically and creatively.

What does this balance look like in practice?

In my own life, I’ve managed to balance real estate investments, speaking engagements, and hosting a podcast alongside my clinical practice. But none of this would be possible without help. My virtual assistants allow me to stay organized and ensure that the day-to-day tasks don’t detract from what’s most important—whether it’s being fully present with my patients or dedicating time to projects I love.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to establish clear boundaries. When I’m with patients, I’m 100% focused on them. When I’m working on a podcast episode or at a speaking event, I’m fully engaged in that, too. By keeping clear lines between my professional and personal ventures, I’m able to maintain quality in both without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Takeaway:

The key to balancing a side gig with clinical responsibilities is clarity and delegation. Ask yourself if the side project aligns with your purpose and enriches your life. Then, delegate tasks that don’t need your direct input, so you can focus on what matters most. With the right systems and boundaries, you can excel in both your clinical practice and your personal ventures.

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