#270 Leveraging Your Expertise: How to Earn More With What You Already Know ft. Peter Kim, MD

You Have More Value Than You Realize

Dr. Peter Kim opens by sharing a common feeling among physicians: despite all the years of training, something still feels missing. Many doctors feel stuck in a system that demands more of their time but gives less fulfillment. The long shifts, the EMR burden, and missed family moments are taking a toll.

But Peter reminds us that the knowledge and experience gained through medicine are incredibly valuable. And that value does not have to stay locked inside the hospital or clinic. Your expertise can create more income and impact, just by being used in new ways.

As he puts it, what you already know can be used to build a better life. The real shift is realizing that your skills are not limited to patient care alone. They can open doors in many areas once you choose to look beyond your current role.

Peter says, “Your expertise, the decades of education, training, real-life experience… it’s way more valuable than you think. It could be used to generate income and create a life outside the clinic or hospital.”

Three Simple Paths to Start Earning Differently

Next, Peter shares three ways you can start using your medical knowledge to create new income streams. These paths are realistic and can be done on the side of your current job.

The first is medical consulting. Companies in tech, health, pharma, and even law often need physicians to give clinical feedback or guide product development. A few hours a month could lead to thousands of dollars a year.

The second is starting your own business in a health-related space. Whether it is a telehealth clinic, a product, or an app, your insider knowledge helps you solve real problems for patients or other physicians.

The third option is serving on advisory boards. Many startups want physicians involved to help shape their strategy. These roles may include stipends or even equity, and they let you help influence the future of healthcare.

Peter shares, “A lot of the stuff you do is just common sense at this point, but for other people, it isn’t. That’s exactly why they need you.”

How to Find These Opportunities

Once you understand your value, the next question is how to get started. Peter gives three clear steps you can take right now.

First, network with intention. Talk to people about what interests you. Attend events where entrepreneurial physicians gather. Conferences like PIMDCON or our community, the Leverage and Growth Accelerator. Conversations often lead to opportunities you never expected.

Second, use LinkedIn well. Many doctors ignore it, but it is a great way to make connections and build visibility. Update your profile, follow companies you admire, and comment on posts to show your interest and expertise.

Third, reach out to someone who is already doing what you want to do. Most doctors are willing to help other doctors, especially if they have gone down that path themselves. A simple message could lead to a great conversation or even mentorship.

It’s Not a Knowledge Problem, It’s a Fear Problem

Most people think they need more education to do something new. But Peter explains that knowledge is not the problem. Fear is.

Many physicians hesitate to try something different because they are afraid of the unknown. They worry about not having the right words or being seen as an outsider. But if you look at what you have already accomplished, you know you can handle hard things.

You do not need to leave medicine to explore new ideas. You can simply widen how your skills are being used. You are already equipped. The only thing holding you back is fear.

Peter says, “You’ve done some of the hardest work in the world to get where you’re at. You’re more than equipped to take this next step.”

Take Just One Step This Week

Peter wraps up by encouraging listeners to take just one step forward. That might be messaging someone on LinkedIn, writing down a business idea, applying to speak at a conference, or joining a new community. The important thing is to begin.

Even a small action can start to build momentum. You are not behind. You are just starting a new chapter, and the right step today can lead to big change tomorrow.

There is a community of doctors already doing this. You can be one of them too.

Peter ends with this thought:

“The life that you want, the income that you want, the impact that you want to make… it’s all possible when you start using your expertise differently.”