Questions to ask a residency program
Moonlighting policy: questions to ask at a residency interview
Ask whether moonlighting is allowed and how residents obtain current rules. An opportunity mentioned during recruitment is not permission to take outside work.
How to explore this topic
- 1
Separate an opportunity from authorization
Ask whether the program permits moonlighting and which residents can seek permission. Do not assume all training years, sites or employment arrangements have the same rules. A resident's past outside work does not authorize yours.
- 2
Ask how eligibility is confirmed
Ask who explains the current written requirements and approval route. If licensing, immigration, coverage or employment conditions affect you, seek qualified current guidance through the appropriate private contact. This page does not interpret those external rules or determine eligibility.
- 3
Consider the training impact
Ask how the program discusses workload and training obligations when residents consider outside work. Do not build a budget on unconfirmed income or treat extra work as a substitute for understanding the normal salary and benefits. Record what is permitted, conditional and still unresolved.
A question to adapt
What is the current moonlighting policy, which residents may apply, and who confirms the requirements and approval process?
This is editorial sample wording, not a quotation or a question every applicant must ask. Adapt it to your interests and the information the program already provides.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC's Employment section separately asks whether moonlighting opportunities exist and what rules apply.
AAMC recommends specific examples from administrators and residents and honest reflection on your preferences. The wording here is editorial preparation, not a required interview checklist, a compliance assessment or a statement of any program's policies.
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating an advertised opportunity as permission.
- Assuming another resident has the same eligibility.
- Budgeting for income before approval is confirmed.
Check what you learned
- Is there a current written policy?
- Is eligibility individually confirmed?
- Are training obligations considered?
Useful follow-up questions
- Who reviews a request?
- Do rules differ by training year?
- Where can individual eligibility questions be directed?
Common questions
Is it appropriate to ask about moonlighting?
AAMC includes moonlighting opportunities and rules in its Employment questions. Ask about current policy, not a presumed entitlement.
Can this guide determine eligibility?
No. Licensing, immigration, employer and coverage requirements need current qualified guidance where relevant.
Can I rely on resident earnings examples?
Treat them as personal experience, not an income forecast or approval for you.
Related guides
Sources
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.