Medical Surveys

Show me the money...

In the fast-paced world of medicine, finding flexible and efficient ways to supplement income can be a challenge for medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians alike. Amidst the demanding schedules, relentless studying, and the pressure of patient care, the idea of earning extra money in a manner that seamlessly fits into the rare downtimes might seem far-fetched. However, completing medical surveys for money offers just that—an opportunity to monetize those fleeting moments of pause, whether you're waiting for a procedure to start, sitting through a long commute, or enduring the occasional (or frequent) dull meeting.

The allure of medical surveys lies in their flexibility and the minimal commitment required, allowing healthcare professionals at any stage of their career to participate. The process is straightforward: sign up for various survey sites, complete surveys during your spare moments, and earn money. Yet, it's not as simple as it sounds. The key to maximizing earnings is signing up for a number of sites since it's common to be screened out after answering preliminary questions. This means the more sites you're registered with, the higher your chances of finding surveys that match your profile and expertise.

Understanding the Earnings and Commitment

For medical students and residents, whose time is as valuable as their attending counterparts but who might have more financial constraints, finding surveys that offer at least a dollar per minute can be a worthwhile endeavor. As you progress in your career, your threshold for what constitutes an acceptable dollar-to-time ratio may shift. Attending physicians, with their higher earning potential, might set a minimum rate that reflects their expertise and scarcity of free time.

It's important to note that this side hustle comes with its administrative responsibilities. Earning over $600 from any single company means you'll receive a 1099 form, as these earnings are reported to the IRS. Thus, keeping track of your survey income is essential for tax purposes.

Diverse Survey Opportunities

The world of medical surveys is diverse, ranging from asynchronous online surveys to more lucrative telephone-enabled computer surveys, which often offer a higher hourly rate. Additionally, some survey platforms cater to consulting opportunities, allowing healthcare professionals to create profiles that match them with relevant surveys or direct consulting gigs. For these more specialized consultations, you should be setting your rate at least in the $150-200 per hour range and going up from there, varying significantly by specialty and expertise.

For those interested in exploring this opportunity, here's where you can begin:

- InCrowd

- Sermo

- M3Global

- GLG Surveys and Consulting

- Maven Surveys and Consulting

Each site has its unique features, payment structures, and focus areas, ranging from general medical knowledge to highly specialized fields. By signing up for multiple platforms, you can increase your chances of finding surveys that are not only relevant but also worth your time.

Conclusion

Completing medical surveys for money offers a practical way for those in the medical field to utilize their expertise and spare moments for additional income. Whether you're a medical student looking for a way to earn money instead of just paying it out or an attending physician wanting to add some 1099 income, the flexibility and diversity of survey opportunities are worth exploring. Remember, the key to success is diversification and finding the right balance between time investment and financial return.