Ep12: From Burnout to Breakout — How Physicians Are Building Freedom with Side Gigs

Is this all there is?

That quiet question haunts so many physicians navigating rigid hospital systems, RVU pressures, and the creeping feeling of burnout. But it doesn't have to end there.

In this powerful conversation, James Nutter welcomes Donovan Miske—CEO of Kona Medical Consulting and trusted advisor to over 12,000 physicians—to explore how doctors are flipping the script on their careers. From launching simple clinics to stacking low-risk medical directorships, Donovan breaks down the real-world strategies that create optionality, income, and purpose.

Whether you're still in training or mid-career and fed up, this episode offers a playbook to build your life—not just your resume.

ABOUT THE GUEST

More about Donovan Miske is the CEO and founder of Kona Medical Consulting, a company dedicated to enhancing the operational efficiency and financial success of medical practices. With a background in managing a successful hospitality MSO, Donovan transitioned into the medical field after assisting a failing medical clinic and uncovering embezzlement issues. His forensic approach helped develop a formalized standard for evaluating clinic operational health. Under his leadership, Kona Medical Consulting has assisted over 12,000 physicians across four countries, ensuring their clinics perform in the top percentile of MGMA DataDrive statistics. 

📝 Action Item: What’s one small move you can make in the next 24 hours to regain control over your future? 

📍Learn more about Donovan or book a free consult: https://www.konamedicalconsulting.com

Top 5 Key Takeaways:

• Stack Income, Not Stress: Medical directorships, locums, and simple clinics can offer consistent income with minimal time investment when stacked intentionally.
• Don't Wait to Burn Out: You don’t have to hit a breaking point to explore new revenue streams—start building while you're still in control.
• The 28-Year-Old With Five Clinics: Hear how one psychiatrist built $800k+ in passive income by age 28 through smart planning during residency.
  Beware of the Dry Cleaning Trap: Learn from real physician “horror stories”—and why shaving expenses doesn’t replace building income.
• Freedom Favors the Intentional: Budget time now to explore your options before you're forced to make a move out of desperation

Resources & Next Steps:

• Download the PSLF Hacks Checklist
• Join the waitlist for a  free financial wellness session with James
• Get access to exclusive physician financial tools at www.imwealth.com
• 1% of IM Wealth’s revenue is dedicated to providing scholarship funds to medical students. Learn more about the Meaningful Journeys Scholarship and how you can join the fight here.
• Learn more about the impact IM Wealth is making in the lives of physicians here.
• Gain FREE immediate access to all of IM Wealth’s exclusive physician financial wellness resources here.

About the Show:

This isn’t just another finance podcast—it’s a movement. We’re challenging the status quo, cutting through the noise, and giving physicians real strategies to take control of their money and their future. 

Because true wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom.

Find and follow the show on YouTube. 

About James Nutter:

James Nutter is on a mission to help physicians reclaim their financial power. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges doctors face, he provides real-world strategies that cut throu