·       87% of doctors without multiple roles would like one in the future.

·       However, 59% of doctors with multiple roles have considered transitioning back to a single role in the past year, naming unexpected tax bills among the challenges.

More UK doctors are pursuing portfolio careers to build professional expertise, increase earnings and achieve greater flexibility, according to new research from Wesleyan.

A portfolio career is where doctors hold one or more roles outside of a clinical medical contract – such as private practice, teaching, consultancy or research.

Of the 500 doctors surveyed by Wesleyan, more than two thirds (67%) already hold multiple roles, up from 55% in 2024. Of those without portfolio careers, the vast majority (87%) would like a mix of medical roles in the future, compared to just 33% two years ago.

More than six in 10 (65%) pursue them for professional growth, while 63% cite increased income potential. More than half (53%) value the flexibility, and 47% report better work-life balance.

Alec Collie, Head of Medical at Wesleyan, said: "The growth in portfolio careers reflects broader shifts in healthcare. We're seeing increased demand for private practice as patients seek alternatives to NHS waiting lists, creating a rise in opportunities for doctors.

“But it's also about escape. Many are using portfolio careers to reduce the pressures of full-time NHS frontline work. And for the NHS, it's become a retention strategy, a way to keep talented clinicians in the profession who might otherwise leave earlier than planned.”

The impact of financial planning complexities

Wesleyan’s research also found it is becoming harder for doctors to take on portfolio careers. Almost two thirds (59%) of doctors currently holding multiple roles have considered transitioning back to just one role in the past year. Those considering a return cite a desire to reduce workload (64%), achieve more stability (57%), avoid burnout (54%) and simplify work-life management (49%).

The challenges they report include complexity in managing multiple roles (43%), increased administrative burden from NHS systems (31%), and financial tax impacts (29%). Notably, 36% have received unexpected tax bills, suggesting a gap between anticipated and actual tax liability.

Doctors report that better NHS processes and systems (56%), mental health and wellbeing resources (55%), financial planning advice (47%) and tax and accountancy services (34%) would help them manage multiple roles more effectively.

Alec Collie, Head of Medical at Wesleyan, said: “While portfolio careers offer real benefits, they won't remain viable long-term unless doctors have proper support navigating tax, pensions and financial planning. Without this support, doctors will struggle to sustain them, and the NHS risks losing experienced clinicians at a time when retention is critical. By ensuring doctors have access to expert financial guidance, we can make portfolio careers genuinely sustainable."

Wesleyan’s full report, which features perspectives from medics who attended a Wesleyan-hosted roundtable on portfolio careers, can be read here.