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Moonlighting Surgery Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Interventional Radiologist

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$450K - $600K/yr

This on-site position offers an excellent work/life balance and internal moonlighting opportunities ... Provides inpatient and outpatient surgery, an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, and cardiac services ...

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Moonlighting Surgery information

What is moonlighting surgery?

Moonlighting surgery refers to surgical work or procedures performed by licensed surgeons outside their primary full-time job, often during evenings, weekends, or on a part-time basis. This work is typically done to earn additional income, gain more experience, or provide coverage in understaffed hospitals. Moonlighting is common among surgical residents and attending surgeons who have the appropriate licensure and credentials. However, it is important for surgeons to ensure that moonlighting does not conflict with their primary employment contracts or residency program policies, and that they comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a moonlighting surgeon?

To thrive as a Moonlighting Surgeon, you need board certification or eligibility in surgery, a valid medical license, and strong operative and diagnostic skills. Familiarity with hospital EMR systems, surgical instrumentation, and credentialing processes is crucial. Excellent time management, adaptability, and strong communication skills help manage multiple roles and interactions with diverse teams. These abilities are vital to ensure patient safety, maintain high standards of care, and effectively balance additional workloads.

What are some common challenges faced by surgeons who take on moonlighting opportunities in addition to their primary roles?

Surgeons who engage in moonlighting often face challenges related to balancing their primary job responsibilities with additional shifts, which can lead to fatigue and potential burnout. Time management becomes crucial, as moonlighting typically requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to different hospital policies, electronic medical record systems, and team dynamics. Additionally, navigating credentialing and maintaining communication with multiple administrative teams can be complex. However, moonlighting can offer valuable experience, exposure to diverse cases, and supplemental income if managed effectively.

What is the difference between Moonlighting Surgery vs Emergency Surgery?

AspectMoonlighting SurgeryEmergency Surgery
Required CredentialsLicensed surgeons with specialty certificationsLicensed surgeons, often with emergency or trauma certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically outpatient clinics, private practices, or hospitals during off-hoursHospital emergency departments, trauma centers, urgent care settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, private practicesHospitals, trauma centers, emergency departments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing side jobs or additional surgical work outside regular hoursIndividuals seeking info on urgent, unscheduled surgical procedures

Moonlighting Surgery involves surgeons performing procedures outside their primary job, often during evenings or weekends, usually in outpatient or private settings. Emergency Surgery refers to urgent procedures performed in hospital emergency departments to treat life-threatening conditions. While both require similar credentials, their work environments and purposes differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Moonlighting Surgery jobs?

Cities in California with the most Moonlighting Surgery job openings:

Infographic showing various Moonlighting Surgery job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Physician - Plastic & Hand Surgery

Department of Veterans Affairs

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$250K - $400K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 672 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Job Description

Join our Team at the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Palo Alto, CA as a Physician - Plastic & Hand Surgery!

The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of Plastic & Hand Surgery and is responsible for providing medical and surgical services to eligible Veterans. The incumbent practices in the Plastic & Hand Surgery section.

Clinical:
1. Operations.
a. Perform operations that require a plastic and hand surgeon.
b. Provide expertise and training in reconstructive plastic surgery and hand surgery. Operations include but are not limited to reconstructive plastic surgery, microvascular plastic surgery and hand surgery.

2. Evaluation and management of Plastic and Hand Surgery patients.
a. Provide evaluation of patients in the plastic surgery clinic, emergency room, intensive care unit, operating room, and from other inpatient services.
b. Supervise trainees including medical students, residents, and fellows in all of these settings.
c. Sharing on-call coverage twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, in accordance with the call schedule.
d. Practice safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
e. Instruct other personnel assigned to health care team on preventive medicine programs and other appropriate medical activities and functions.

3. Administrative:
a. Responsible for teaching medical students, residents and fellows.
b. Supports and enhances Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System philosophy and goals.

Required Experience: Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery due to faculty appointment with the affiliate, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Benefits and Features

  • Expected Salary range from $250K to $400K (negotiable based on candidate's qualifications, credentials and experience).

  • Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized.

  • Work Schedule: Monday- Wednesday 7:00am-5:30pm

  • Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases.

  • Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time-off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME).

  • Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.

  • Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

  • Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory.

  • CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification).

  • Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.

  • Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

We encourage you to consider VA employment in Palo Alto, CA. We offer both a mission you can put your heart into and a home for fun, new experiences. Join a team that values a healthy home/work life balance and be rewarded by your role in keeping the promise to those who served.


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