Passive Income Doctor

40 Episodes
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By: Dr Dan

Join Dr Dan, an Australian doctor who is on a mission to improve financial health for doctors and healthcare professionals. Interviewing money experts, doctors turned entrepreneurs, and documenting his own journey to passive income. 

Secrets to weight loss (Low carb clinic, Dr Avi Charlton)
05/21/2025

Today we have a special Guest- Dr Avi Charlton, GP and founder of Melbourne Low Carb Clinic.

Graduated From Melbourne Uni 2000, GP since 2003. She has done extensive education with Low Carb Down Under and Nutrition Network. She has done additional training with The Australasian College of Nutrition and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). Also recently become a speaker

•how does a GP develop a special interest in weight management?
 •only 12% population metabolically health
 •types of diet- low carb, keto, carnivore

 •myths around "5veg, 2 fruit" and is margarine better than butter?
 •insulin resistance

 •calorie...


How to get into medical school Australia (with Dr Jason Yu)
05/07/2025

Today we interview Dr Jason Yu, GP and Co-Founder of MissionMed, which provides UCAT and medicine interview training.

•why chose medicine (and personal story)

•undergraduate vs graduate medicine

•medicine entry getting more competitive

•journey into med school, his UMAT/UCAT score, how failed first time interview
•what is working as a doctor really like, how to know if right for you
•common interview questions (and mistakes)

•how partnered up to deliver MissionMed programs
•is the interview something you can actually train for?
• differences between UNSW, Western Sydney Uni...


How a couple built a 40 property portfolio in Australia
04/23/2025

Han and AIlinh, from running optometry business to now buyers agents. Humble beginnings, working locum jobs, and growing to 40+ property portfolio.

 •day-to-day juggling tasks, getting great deals
 •growing up in South Western Sydney, saving way to first deposit
 •how mentor helped avoid Off the plan disaster
 •riding the 2004-2007 Perth wave, doubling in 3 years
 •often doctors/optometrists/healthcare workers too busy to focus on building wealth
 •Logan Brisbane development from 1 to 8 dwellings. getting up at 4am to visit the site, and flying back same day
 •goal to get to 50 properties this year

Find out m...


How Doctors can pass exams and interviews (Gail Carmody, RN and Coach)
#64
04/09/2025

Gail Carmody helps doctors and healthcare workers pass high stake exams and job interviews. 

From early days working as a nurse at St Vincent's in Sydney, to Director of Nursing, CEO and then Business Development Manager roles in the private healthcare sector in multiple countries- New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE. What are the differences in health care systems, and what are the common struggles for doctors across the world?


 •how healthcare and business worlds come together
 •16 hour days
 •her morning routine, and importance of 'controlling the day'
  •doctors not taught ho...


Doctors pay too much tax? (remember the big picture, with Munzural Khan)
03/26/2025

Munzural Khan, accountant, and founder of KHI Partners, sits down in a behind-the scenes interview. He shares his philosophy of service in his business, also property journey to a sizeable portfolio, and finishes with a case study on a high-earning doctor who felt was paying too much tax!

 •helping new doctors, all the way to multi-centre clinic owners
 •starting out own business in the shadow of the Global Financial Crisis
 •Day 1 with just 5 clients, projected yearly revenue $15,000(but yearly rent $35,000!). 18 properties at the time.
 •without a grand masterplan, still managed grow to 25 partners, 7 offices, 140 members
...


Doctor Salary Australia | Which specialty earns the most?
03/12/2025

We revisit this hot topic-How much do doctors in Australia actually make? And is there a pay gap between the states? (NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, ACT, NT, Western Australia, Tasmania) 

Which are the high paying specialties? 

Finally, we explore the pathways for IMG doctors to work in Australia.

Resources/links:
MABEL study on GP and specialist earnings-Melbourne Institute Working Paper No. 12/2010 (unimelb.edu.au)
Medrecruit article-Discover the highest paying doctor jobs in Australia in 2025
IMG doctors entry to Australia-Overview of assessment pathways (amc.org.au)
Check out another ep...


GP to Weight loss entrepreneur (Dr Angela, Enlighten Me)
02/26/2025

In this episode, we have a behind the scenes chat with Dr Angela Kwong- GP and founder of Enlighten Me-a doctor designed meal replacement shake for weight loss.

Not only do we discuss the weight loss industry in Australia, but also Angela's journey in medicine and also investing. Migrant background, working hard, investing with her first paycheck, and now launched not one, but 2 startups!


Find out more about what Dr Angela is up to:

https://enlightenme.com.au

https://linkedin.com/in/drangelakwong

https://facebook.com...


Locum market broken? (Dr Anu, StatDoctor)
02/12/2025


 •Dr Anu's experience with locuming, and how StatDoctor can revolutionise this space
 •leaving steady pay-check, to zero pay security with building a start-up
 •building a brand
 •how StatDoctor can make it easier for doctors, and cost-effective for hospitals
 •developing an app
 •AUSCEP(Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program)
 •locum rates collapse-what's going on?

Check out:
Home - StatDoctor
(1) Dr Anu Ganugapati 🩺 | LinkedIn

previous chat:
Interview with Anu (Locum Doctor Australia)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT...


How to Retire with Commercial Retail shops (with Phil King)
01/29/2025

Phil retired at 53 years old, but found retirement mind-numbingly boring, and so he decided to draw on his experience to help others buy commercial property- specialising in retail shops.
I thank Phil for sharing in depth behind-the-scenes how he finds deals.

 •the extensive due diligence required for commercial property
 •keeping in contact with agents
 •how he values a deal
 •finding out about the all about the lease (duration, terms, security/guarantee, is it a net lease
 •be wary of expenses left off by selling agent(backflow testing, public liability, annual audit)
 •zoning
 •body...


Why Doctors don't get Wealthy
01/15/2025

WARNING: Controversial topic. But you may be a doctor wondering why you just can't get ahead.  High single or dual incomes but high expenses:  mortgage, insurance, CPD and registration, private school fees for kids, new care, a couple of holidays here and there- it all adds up! Not to mention medical school HECS debt. ...and most doctors don't earn high incomes until their 30s (or even later once achieved Fellowship), compared to other professions who have had a head start earning and investing in their 20s.

In this episode (revisted), I explore why some doctors are not as...


Income protection Explained (chat with advisor Jason Hugo)
01/01/2025

Personal insurances often something put in the 'too hard' basket, but to kick of the new year- good time to reflect and review. In this episode with Bluerock insurance advisor Jason Hugo, we explore:

 • when should you consider getting insurance (tip: easier to get when younger/healthier)
 •differences with income protection, TPD, trauma insurances
 • level vs stepped premiums, breakeven points
 •insurance changes since October 2021
 •agreed value vs indemnity value
 •cancer diagnoses being common event for claims
 •case studies
 •is there such a thing as over-insurance?

Other resources/links:
Entrepreneurial Prof...


Doctor and Entrepreneur Tom Lee (Hopmedic founder)
12/18/2024

Inspiring in-depth interview with Dr Tom Lee, founder of Hopmedic, a telehealth and locum job portal.
His medicine and entrepreneurial journey has been full of ups and downs.
 •big life decision to move from NZ to Australia, to pursue dream of medical school
 •shock when entering junior doctor workforce
 •locum opportunities
 •active trading: shorting the share market, and making 50X returns
 •personal portfolio, including crypto
 •businesses (hint: pivoting leads to success)- ranging from sneakers, to arancini balls, to a mobile app that delivered CBT therapy for pre and post-operative pain.
 •Hopmedic, hitting 1 m...


How doctors can get into the property market (and avoid scams, part2 Dr JL)
12/04/2024

In part 2 of my chat with Dr JL:
•personal philosophy on property investing.
 •cashflow vs capital gains.
 •Perth market.
 •exit plan for property?
 •Dr JL passive income funding his travel!

 •Dr JL first hand experience with MLM

Take home tips:
Paying yourself first.
Taking action.

Other resources/links
Buying my first property at 23 years old

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT]gmail.com
If you are a doctor or dentist interested in property inves...


Passive Income with 2.5Million dollar portfolio (Dr JL part1)
11/20/2024

Dr JL, GP shares his career journey, and investing journey.
 •BPT background to currently working General Practice
 •humble beginnings to now passive income
 •Rich Dad Poor Dad, Barefoot investor, How to Create an income for life (Margaret Lomas)
 •property portfolio 2.5M
 •property spruiker story (what red flags to look out for)
 •first investment property bought for $330k in Adelaide
 •managed funds and index funds, and shares (in lead up to GFC)
 •owner occupied property
 •mining share (Lynas rollercoaster)
 •latest Perth purchases (rent return from $330 to $570/wk)
 
(Dr Dan): In other news: I've been...


Doctors and SMSF (chat with Bluerock advisor Nadine)
11/06/2024

Hot topic is SMSF (Self Managed Super Fund)

•what minimum balance to start SMSF
•what assets do doctor clients invest inside SMSF
•property and SMSF, how can be powerful tool to growth retirement savings
•case study- commercial property. growing from 1 to 6 million!


Disclaimer- as always, speak to your own licensed advisor.

Other resources/links:
Entrepreneurial Professional Services Firm | BlueRock
Personal Finances for Doctors
Property Investing for Doctors

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT]gmail.co...


Growing a consulting business (Dr Kristal Lau, part 2)
10/30/2024

Part 2 in chat with Dr Kristal Lau. having lived and worked in many countries, she shares her experiences and perspectives on healthcare and business differences.
Also she shares how she is dominating her niche area and growing a community.
 
Some topics covered include:
•differences between US and Australian healthcare system
•her experience living in Germany and France,
•setting up consulting business- and solving a gap in the market regarding postpartum wellness.
•mindset on frugality, investing
•having the 'money talk' with your partner
•aging population and is relying on the government pensions for...


Dr Kristal Lau (becoming an Author and Entrepreneur)
10/16/2024

In this episode, we interview Dr Kristal Lau- journey from medicine to entrepreneurship and postpartum wellness consulting.

•medical school, BPT
•geriatrics specialty, and a sad story about palliative care
•life changes, military spouse, Masters of Public Health
•psychology of money- drop in come as stay at home spouse
•becoming an author
•USMLE

Find out more about Kristal:
Website: www.bridgesinhealth.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/klyql
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@drkristallau

Other links:
Growing a consulting business (Dr Kristal Lau, part 2)

Music Credit...


Capital Growth vs Cashflow (Richard Bharata)
#51
10/02/2024

Another insightful episode with property investor and BA Richard Bharata.
We cover age old debate "capital growth vs cashflow"
 •Richard's recent purchase Melbourne, how yield compares to regional QLD
 •resi vs commercial
 •some cashflow strategies- granny flat, duplex, unit blocks, NDIS, rooming homes
 We talk about some common sayings "Cashflow keeps you in the game but capital growth gets you out of the rat race"

If you are a doctor and keen to chat about property- email passiveincomedoctors@gmail.com or reach out to me on socials.

If you wish connect wi...


Investing in 10 year cycles (Dr Anna Pham Part 2)
09/18/2024

In Part 2 of chat with Dr Anna Pham, we discuss
•resi vs commercial property cashflow numbers
•thoughts on buyers agents
•building a community of doctors to take interest in investing (LifeCycle Projects)
•teaching children importance of finances
•investing in 10 year cycles

Connect with Dr Anna Pham-
Anna Pham | LinkedIn
Other resources/links:
Profiting from Market Cycles

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT]gmail.com
If you are a doctor or dentist interested in property investing Australia...


Dr Anna Pham's Property Journey
09/04/2024

We have a special guest- Dr Anna Pham- GP, entrepreneur, property investor.

In Part 1 of this interview, we discuss:
•medical school, and choice of specialty
•how lending has changed over last 2 decades
•Anna's impressive property portfolio
•philosphy on Principal and Interest repayments
•mindset, investing as a single mum
•commercial property
•acting on opportunities when others can't get finance

Connect with Dr Anna Pham-
Anna Pham | LinkedIn
Other episodes:
Investing in 10 year cycles (Dr Anna Pham Part 2)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnigh...


Locum doctor cancellations (3 strike rule, with Max Drakeley Part 2)
08/21/2024

In this part 2 of interview with locum agent Max, we discuss:

•do locum agents really prioritise one doctor over another?
•last minute cancellations!
•Max's 3 strike rule
•media perception that locum agencies are driving up healthcare costs
•workforce planning for healthcare services
•tips for locum doctors, and how to get in touch with Max:
mdrakeley@wave.com.au

Other resources/links:
Interview with Anu (Locum Doctor Australia)
7 Side Hustle ideas for doctor (Locum Australia)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questio...


Locum doctor roles (Interview with agent Max Drakeley)
#47
08/07/2024

In this chat with locum agent Max, we discuss:
•which medical specialties get the highest rates
•doctor preferences for lifestyle and shorter stints post-COVID
•behind the scenes look at the work locum agents need to do
•how GPs can upskill to do rural generalist roles
•urgent care, telehealth, and the challenges...

Part 2:Locum doctor cancellations (3 strike rule, with Max Drakeley Part 2)
Other relevant episodes:
Interview with Anu (Locum Doctor Australia)
7 Side Hustle ideas for doctor (Locum Australia)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight...


Side hustles as a doctor (Revisited)
#46
07/24/2024

"Multiple income streams" is often stated as way to get ahead financially.
In this episode, we explore some side hustles that doctors can do, including:
• locuming (especially rural locations)
• consulting
• medicolegal work
• writing (for medical journals, developing guidelines for primary health network)
• cosmetics

Additional note- as of 2025, anecdotally the locum market has changed in Australia, with downward pressure on rates. This could be variety of reasons- from more doctors coming from overseas, and also state governments tightening spending.

Resources/links:
Interview with Anu (Locum Doctor Australia)
Why Doctors do...


Tips on Perth investing (David Hall interview Part 2)
07/10/2024

We are back for part 2 interview with Perth buyers agent David Hall.
 •dark side of rental growth
 • horror story about self-managing a property
 • more strategies (e.g. combining duplex lots)
 • tips for negotiating with a seller
 • how a junior doctor bought their first property for 740k, with development potential.

Resources/links:
Why is Australia Suffering From a Rental Shortage? 2023 (buyersagencyco.com.au)
Contact David at: Contact Buyers Agency Co Perth | Property Buying Specialists
Buying my first property at 23 years old

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode eve...


Perth buyers agent (David Hall Interview Part 1)
06/26/2024

How much does mining, oil and gas influence Perth's property market?
What is driving the current boom?

In this interview with Perth buyers agent David Hall, we discuss overview of Perth market, his personal investing philosophy and much more.
•difference between current market 2024 and last boom 2004-2007)
•what is a balanced market for Perth
•retain and build strategy
•HMO strategy
•WA economy, and trends for energy- green hydrogen etc
•prediction: 20% growth for rest of 2024!

Resources/links:
Perth house prices to boom then bust - MacroBusiness
HMO Investing...


5 tips to choosing a Property Manager (and Mistakes to avoid)
06/12/2024

Property investing involves assets worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars- so choosing someone to manage this asset is so important.
We have all heard stories about difficult tenants, and property managers missing things and even not contactable! Property managers have a difficult task, and also have high turnover.
I have learnt over the years questions to ask. In this episode, I share 5 tips when selecting a PM.

Other resources/links:
What landlords should look for when choosing a property manager (domain.com.au)
Buying property process Australia (Contracts, Auctions, Settlement)

<...


Life Update- Finance challenges!
05/29/2024

In this episode, I give an update on Passive Income Doctor, and how portofolio is faring- interest rates in last 2 years gone from 2% to 6.5%. Headline inflation has been 7%p.a but when I see property prices, grocery prices, it seems more like 10-20%.

I also talk about finance challenges- obstacles in obtaining lending. I discuss the current 3% interest rate servicing buffer, DTI limits.
I finish with some practical tips how to get through difficult financial times, and finish with mindset minute of the week: "Wealth is the transfer of money from the impatient to the patient. "<...


Interview with Dr Urszula Carr (NHS to Australia, Life Coaching)
05/15/2024

In this episode we chat with Dr Urzula Carr, histopathologist, and life coach.
We discuss journey from Poland to UK, working in the NHS, and then life in Australia.
We talk about some property wins including granny flat/studio, feasibility studies for property development.
Finally we discuss her journey, how life coaching and self development helped her through some dark times, and how she intends to help doctors with burnout.

Resources/links:
Find out more about Urszula at: Home - MedicRevive
Another UK NHS doctor journey to Australia:NHS to Australia, turning $500...


Private billing (the why and how)
05/01/2024

Why the trend is from bulkbilling to mixed/private billing?
The Medicare rebate freeze, and effects on general practice sustainability.
The rising costs of running a small business.
Steps doctors and practices can implement to transition to private billing:
1. meeting to discuss
2.advertise in advance- notice to patients
3. train reception staff, implement processes.

Info for patients/community members- why is there a gap:
Fees Gap Poster.pdf (ama.com.au)

Other resources/links:
Private Billing GP (Interview with the Meat Medic)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.<...


Richard Bharata (Perth boom, and 2024 predictions)
04/17/2024

We have back on the show Richard Bharata, property investor and buyers agent. We catchup on what's happened in the last 12 months, some recent cracker deals. Also he shares some common investor mistakes, and also some tips for interstate investing. Finally we discuss Perth property market, and also predictions for what areas and price points will do well.

Check out Richard at: iProperty Finder – Australia Wide Buyers Agent
Resources/links:
Capital Growth vs Cashflow (Richard Bharata)
Another episode on Perth market:Perth buyers agent (David Hall Interview Part 1)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.


Buying Home vs Investment property
04/03/2024

Age old question, buying own home vs investment property? And which one first?
Where rentvesting sits in the picture?
It is a personal question, however in this episode I explore some things you may have not considered before.

Resources/links:
Property Investing for Doctors
Buying my first property at 23 years old

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT]gmail.com
If you are a doctor or dentist interested in property investing Australia, join my community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315108673770810<...


Holidays (and Why Points Hacking is a Trap)
03/20/2024

Holidays and taking timeout is important for doctors. How to optimise this, and how it can help you be a better doctor.
Also I talk about my (controversial opinion) on points hacking, and some hidden dangers.

Other resources/reference:
Why Physician Vacation Time is Vital | JAMA Career Center (jamanetwork.com)
Historic change to Declaration of Geneva | Australian Medical Association (ama.com.au)
Choosing a credit card - Moneysmart.gov.au
How Credit Card Rewards Devaluations Can Eat Into Your Rewards (fool.com)
Self-Care as a Doctor

Music Credit: Bass...


Index Funds and ETF
03/06/2024

In this episode, we explore basics behind index funds and ETFs- rising popularity over last few decades. Also, how it stacks up against active/managed funds.
As always, please note this is general information, and not personalised financial advice.

Resources/links:
What Are Index Funds, and How Do They Work? (investopedia.com)

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT]gmail.com
If you are a doctor or dentist interested in property investing Australia, join my community: https://www.facebook.com...


Profiting from Market Cycles
02/21/2024

Theres a common saying "Its time in the market, not timing the market". I believe long term horizon for investing is important, however timing entry into a market is also important- to get early wins, to give some confidence; also to avoid buying at a peak and experience big falls.
In this episode, I talk about market cycles, presidential cycle, property clock, and much more.

Resources/links:
Market Cycles: The Key to Maximum Returns (investopedia.com)
Month in Review - Herron Todd White (htw.com.au)
Buying my first property at 23 years old<...


Doctors and AI (Interview with Claire, ScriptAI)
#34
02/07/2024

In this episode, I interview Claire Lim, medical student and co-founder of ScriptAI, an artificial intelligence tool to help doctors write notes. We discuss her entrepreneurial journey, including sourdough, Electronic Medical Records and AI tools.  Importance of pivoting, and creating solutions for challenges in everyday life and clinical medicine.

Resources/links:
Check out ScriptAI-scriptai.co
Side hustles as a doctor (Revisited)


Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New episode every fortnight.
Send in your questions to: passiveincomedoctors[AT]gmail.com
If you are a doctor or dentist interested in p...


Insights from Eamon Murray (Locum Agent Australia)
01/24/2024

In this episode, I chat with Eamon, a medical recruiter looking after locum doctors all around Australia. We start by discussing the motivations and benefits for locum doctors, then explore some challenges/pitfalls that can happen- sudden cancellations, doublebooking, job not accurately advertised.
We touch on some challenges facing rural healthcare in Australia, and I ask about what makes some doctors quit locuming, and what makes some rural hospitals excel in attracting regular returning doctors.

Connect with Eamon- (Eamon Murray (MRCSA) | LinkedIn

Other resources/interesting articles:
Five-Point Plan to Build Rural Medical Workforce...


Personal Finances for Doctors
#32
01/10/2024

How can busy doctors set up their personal finances to maximize chance of success?
Todays episode, I share 5 steps that you can take to simplify your finances.
1. Assess your current situation
2. Set a compelling goal
3. Develop habits (track spending, regular self-education, monitor savings rate)
4.Action plan
5. Reassess/re-evaluate

Resources/links:
 Some “Thing” to Talk About? Differential Story Utility From Experiential and Material Purchases - Amit Kumar, Thomas Gilovich, 2015 (sagepub.com)
Why Doctors don't get Wealthy
Property Investing for Doctors
Tax for doctors

...


Predictions for 2024 (Property, Healthcare trends)
12/27/2023

Today, we review what property prices did in 2023, and what factors are shaping the Australian property market for 2024.
I also discuss some key announcements from the 2023-2024 Budget regarding healthcare, and discuss trends with General Practice, healthcare spending, and private health insurance.

Resources/links:
Will house prices go up in 2023? The answer largely depends on interest rates - ABC News
20.11.23 Housing Boom and Bust report 2024.pdf (sqmresearch.com.au)
RACGP - Government’s key Medicare Budget measures kick in
Why Doctors don't get Wealthy

Music Credit: Bass Nation.
New ep...


Tips for Sydney Property Market (Dan Sofo, Buyers Agent)
12/13/2023

Today we chat with Dan Sofo, Sydney buyers agent who covers bluechip areas such as the highly desired Eastern suburbs. We cover his journey from hospitality to real estate, his investing philosophy. Stay tuned to learn some tips on property negotiation.

-long hours, and managing 70 staff in hospitality business
-importance of assets outside of business
-solving problems as a buyers agent
-Dan's own portfolio, and investing philosophy
-outside of Sydney, where in Australia he is seeing value?
-3 constraints of supply: geography, heritage, planning
-storytime: excellent purchase (where essentially got the...


20 Must Ask Questions for Every Property Investor (Margaret Lomas)
#29
11/29/2023

Margaret Lomas is a recognised Australian property expert, and the best-selling author of nine property investment books, including 20 Must Ask Questions for Every Property Investor.

Dr Dan shares his thoughts, and some key takeaways:
1. Identifying tomorrow's blue chip areas can boost your returns.

2. Appealing to families is important- owner occupiers tend to drive capital growth.

3. Avoid small towns, especially if centred around 1 industry

4. Do your due diligence.


Links/resources:
The 20 questions to ask before you buy an investment prop... (urban.com.au)
20 Must Ask Questions...