what's the truth?

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so here's the deal...recently, i've been talking to a bunch of attendings(albeit none who are urologists) and the topic of compensation has come up. some attendings say that urologists are some of the highest paid physicians in medicine today and that there is a lot of money to be made in urology, but others say the urologists make on average the same as general surgeons and aren't necessarily near the top in terms of compensation. Now, of course, compensation is not the reason one should look into a field but i just wonder if anyone can help me with these conflicting thoughts on compensation in urology? so what's the truth? thanks.

You'll make more than the vast majority of people in this country. Whether you make more than a general surgeon will depend on the scope of your practice, practice location, and the state of the healthcare system when you start pulling in the big bucks. In short: "Situation murky, try again later."

The 2010 Medscape compensation report says urology is among the top 5 highest compensated specialties.

On average urologists make more than general surgeons, as do most if not all subspecialty surgeons.

Originally Posted by cpants

On average urologists make more than general surgeons, as do most if not all subspecialty surgeons.

how do you think they compare to other surgical subspecialists like ent, ortho, plastics, vascular, etc? thanks.

Originally Posted by remote

how do you think they compare to other surgical subspecialists like ent, ortho, plastics, vascular, etc? thanks.

Similarly. Vascular probably makes a bit less. Plastics can go either way based on how much reconstructive vs. cosmetics.

Hmm, I always assumed vascular made the most out of all the surgical subspecialties.

Originally Posted by armybound

Hmm, I always incorrectly assumed vascular made the most out of all the surgical subspecialties.

Fixed . Check out the MGMA data to get a feel for average salary. However, keep in mind that salary is hugely dependent on region, practice specifics and population payer mix. Also, while average salary should be A consideration when choosing a specialty, it should not be THE consideration. Furthermore it probably should be relatively low on the list, beaten out by intellectual interest, lifestyle (call/hours worked) and procedure preference. Why you ask? No one knows what the payment scheme and landscape will be over the next few decade for docs. You never know when good ole gov't will come along and drop the proverbial hammer on your ass.

Originally Posted by armybound

Hmm, I always assumed vascular made the most out of all the surgical subspecialties.

Nope.

I've been a practicing Urologist for 26 years. Average "compensation" for an Urologist is in the $300K range, usually in the ENT and Ortho range. I can assure you that choosing Urology, or an medical specialty for the income, is a REALLY bad idea.

Originally Posted by 5170

I've been a practicing Urologist for 26 years. Average "compensation" for an Urologist is in the $300K range, usually in the ENT and Ortho range. I can assure you that choosing Urology, or an medical specialty for the income, is a REALLY bad idea.

you are absolutely right. i clearly do not intend to choose a field based on compensation. but rather see what a field is all about. so i wanted to ask you as an experienced urologist, what you like best about the field? and what about the worst? also would you recommend the field to a current medical student? why or why not? thanks so much for the insight.

Bump I would also like to hear from a practicing uro.

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The field is constantly growing, very little overlap with any other specialty, the U.S, population is aging (prostate disease and incontinence). I would strongly encourage any medical student to pursue a career in Urology.