Fruits of Thy Labor

[JPNSU]

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I ran into one of the radiologists who worked at the hospital where I did my 3rd year IM rotation at the car wash the other day. While I was waiting impatiently for my G35 to get detailed for the weekend I noticed his car and started to salivate.

It was a titanium silver 2003 BMW M3 covertible w/SMG, 19" chrome giovanni wheels and michelin pilot sport tires. Inside he had the cinnamon leather interior the OEM dvd navigation system, alpine DVD w/XM sat radio, in-dash motorized 6.5" alpine LCD monitor which controlled the sat radio and DVD system. He had everything in the BMW premium/sport/cold weather package... as well as BiXenon headlamps, and park distance control. I told him he had my dream car. All this and he also has a 02' S600 that he drives to work everyday. Perhaps, I should've gone for radiology.😀

 

[hedging]

In an effort to rid the corporation of taxable excess funds, my group chose to provide a vehicle for each radiologist. Two of us got Jags, two got a Mercedes, one got a BMW, one got a Volvo, one got a Corvette and the last got a Porshe. This is not uncommon in many practices, and not just Radiology groups. Malpractice plaintiff attorneys can drive even fancier cars!

 

[volvulus]

See this is exactly why the general public thinks doctors make to much. We have to be humble. The more docs flash their money around the more people will think that we're just greedy money mongers. Lets just enjoy the fruits of our labor humbly and quietly. That will ensure that future generations of doctors also are paid well. The more people think doctors are greedy the more congress will cut our reimbursments.

 

[prominence]

Originally posted by volvulus
See this is exactly why the general public thinks doctors make to much. We have to be humble. The more docs flash their money around the more people will think that we're just greedy money mongers. Lets just enjoy the fruits of our labor humbly and quietly. That will ensure that future generations of doctors also are paid well. The more people think doctors are greedy the more congress will cut our reimbursments.

based on this logic, maybe Congress will reduce the salaries of professional athletes, rappers, and other entertainers.... are u for real?

 

[PediaSure]

Sweeeet!!Hey I think the rad doc should be able to buy any car he wants. It's his money! Maybe dude, needed a reward after all the tough call during radiology residency
😀

But the previous poster brings up an interesting point?
Check out this link. Should we docs charge for pt phone calls, prescription refills etc?
😕
http://www.msnbc.com/news/875672.asp?0bl=-0

 

[volvulus]

prominence, it makes sense. In the early 80's a avg gen surg and avg baseball player made the same amount. Today the avg gen surg still makes them same amount while the avg baseball player makes 2-3 million. rads is not immune to this phenomenon.

 

[ApacheIndian]

That's super sweet. I was seriously considering upgrading my little Z3 to a mean M3 when (if?) I match, but I think I'm gonna hold out for a 4-door version.

 

[JPNSU]

Originally posted by Dr. Cuts
That's super sweet. I was seriously considering upgrading my little Z3 to a mean M3 when (if?) I match, but I think I'm gonna hold out for a 4-door version.

Well, I would not hold your breath. BMW has no future plans of reinstating the M3 sedan in the near future. I would do the upgrade now if you can. Or you could wait. There is talk that the next generation M3 will be a V8 pumping out 400+bhp

 

[JPNSU]

Originally posted by hedging
In an effort to rid the corporation of taxable excess funds, my group chose to provide a vehicle for each radiologist. Two of us got Jags, two got a Mercedes, one got a BMW, one got a Volvo, one got a Corvette and the last got a Porshe. This is not uncommon in many practices, and not just Radiology groups. Malpractice plaintiff attorneys can drive even fancier cars!

Even though I matched into the specialty of my choice. I have always thought about going to law school after medical school. Do docs with law degrees do well financially? I know this is bit of a rhetorical question. Nonetheless, I'd like some first hand insight if anybody could be kind enough to contributue.

 

[Stinky T]

Originally posted by Dr. Cuts
That's super sweet. I was seriously considering upgrading my little Z3 to a mean M3 when (if?) I match, but I think I'm gonna hold out for a 4-door version.

Desiring a 4-door M3 is certainly one of the indications in my mind for a STAT CT-H. 😀 If this is a long-standing desire then we might have to consider getting a MRI +/-. If the above is negative then we'd certainly need to get a Psych consult! 😉

 

[ApacheIndian]

Originally posted by Stinky Tofu
Desiring a 4-door M3 is certainly one of the indications in my mind for a STAT CT-H. 😀 If this is a long-standing desire then we might have to consider getting a MRI +/-. If the above is negative then we'd certainly need to get a Psych consult! 😉

...and don't forget...repeat study is suggested 😉.

Y'all should know that Stinky has a phat little M3 himself 😎... hey Stinky, post that one pic you showed me... I'll bet it's a lot like the Bimmer JPNSU described...

 

[JPNSU]

Originally posted by Dr. Cuts
...and don't forget...repeat study is suggested 😉.

Y'all should know that Stinky has a phat little M3 himself 😎... hey Stinky, post that one pic you showed me... I'll bet it's a lot like the Bimmer JPNSU described...

Mr. Stinky's M3 is a 6 speed, non premium, w/out nav...I have no idea if he has the 19" doublespoke M wheels either

 

[xraydoc]

I love this thread!

Personally I am holding out for the new Cadillac XLR. Although the Jaguar XK8 is a very nice coupe as well.

 

[Ligament]

how can you guys possibly afford BMW's as med students or residents?? have any financial secrets to share with us?

regards 🙂

 

[dA pilot]

Originally posted by JPNSU
While I was waiting impatiently for my G35 to get detailed for the weekend I noticed his car and started to salivate.
😀

I guess i'm at the bottom of the totem pole, cuz i'm drooling for a G35 coupe....those are sweet....

 

[JPNSU]

Originally posted by dA pilot
I guess i'm at the bottom of the totem pole, cuz i'm drooling for a G35 coupe....those are sweet....

actually the honeymoon period has sort of ended for me and my coupe...don't get me wrong...it's a fantastic car...I just feel I need something with a bit more power...there are talks about a S/C or TT kit with ECU remapping that would increase the hp on the coupe to well over 450hp...I'm looking forward to getting my M3 in the near future...it helps to have an uncle that owns a dealership as well😀

 

[ApacheIndian]

O.k. gentlemen, I just got back from looking at the new Lotus Elise (see pic) slated to make it's debut in the U.S. next spring. I was ready to put down a G deposit and have my little Z3 appraised for trade-in value. I saw the Elise for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and after seeing the price was only 40K, decided that I would go in today, take a closer look, and put down the deposit to get my name on the waiting list (now at #90).

But alas, after having sat in it, I decided against it. Although it looks incredible from the outside, the inside is like a tiny, no-frills, go-kart. I'm not even that big, yet it was very difficult to get in and out. O.k... back to holding my breath for an M3 4-door 🙂...

 

[JPNSU]

Originally posted by Dr. Cuts
O.k. gentlemen, I just got back from looking at the new Lotus Elise (see pic) slated to make it's debut in the U.S. next spring. I was ready to put down a G deposit and have my little Z3 appraised for trade-in value. I saw the Elise for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and after seeing the price was only 40K, decided that I would go in today, take a closer look, and put down the deposit to get my name on the waiting list (now at #90).

But alas, after having sit in it, I decided against it. Although it looks incredible from the outside, the inside is like a tiny, no-frills, go-kart. I'm not even that big, yet it was very difficult to get in and out. O.k... back to holding my breath for an M3 4-door 🙂...

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I thought the elisse was only going to approved for track use only? Maybe, I'm wrong. It does look like a fun little sports car. As for it being practical as a daily driver? I would think twice. The beautiful thing about the M3 is that it was the appeal of a pure bred sports car with everyday drivability. The only problem is the 50K+ price tag.

 

[Imhotep]

not too impressed by the lotus. Saving for a M3 perhaps 3 years down the road, saw the new z4 recently. muscular!

 

[jason952]

I always fantasize about cars and what I would get one day. Every time I consider new ones, I always catch myself, for the m3's 50+ grand, there are so many great things you can get and not get burned by depreciation, like:

1 nice 95 M3, and a 93 M5
or
1 nice used testarossa
or
1 porsche 993 and and older bmw for everyday
or
2 porsche 944 turbos (one for the track) and 20 grand leftover for a nice truck and trailer.

it goes on and on, I guess I have trouble with commitment.

Jason

 

[Poesie Noire]

after reading these posts, i would like to inform you all that within the next 5 years, bmw will literally dominate the factory derived peformance/luxury car market with the m1, m2, new m3, m4, m5, and possibly the top of the line m7. although 4 door m3's are still a very slight possibility in the u.s., for all you prospective radiologists....keep your patience for the new m5. with a 5.0 liter v10 engine cranking 500hp as a platform...all those new e55 amg, and audi rs6 enthusiasts will be silenced. my prediction will be that car will set the new bar (as bmw has always done...especially with the 5 series....being the pioneer of modern sports sedans) and then of course all the other companies will be chasing to top bmw. if the m3 doesnt come out with 4 doors...definitely consider the m4 or even m2. both will be available in 4 doors and the M2 with the sports package will have a retuned vvti on its engine, different intake and exhaust manifold which in the end will rank out around 350hp and 330lb torque. thus, you can imagine what the m4 will do. ive seen conceptual sketches on all these and believe me....they're radically attractive.

 

[Poesie Noire]

whats your opinion with your g35? i have one myself and really love it. ever since the supra went out of production...in the u.s. that is...ive always anted an m3...but 50+ g....well...forget that. anyways, incase you're interested...NISMO (nissa motorsports) will be introducing all the skyline gtr performance products for the g35 coupe and sedan. it will probably take a year before all the stuff is out but they're starting this summer with the nismo intakes, exhausts, and peformance chip. the best thing all of it will be factory warrantied! once all the products are out..it will be very interesting because the g35 will be a legitimate competitor with the m3. nismo holds that the mods will have the vq engine in the g35 cranking 400 hp and 350 lb torque...with stiffer struts, sway bars, etc. THEN AGAIN...dont misunderstand me....nissan will officially introduce THE SKLYLINE GTR this year or next year. the legend itself. from what i heard...that should put most german peformance cars behind it...even up to the m6! apparently their hannover test runs kept it clocking the same numbers on the slalom as the porsche gt2! not bad considering it will start at 40 grand. anyways, check out g35driver.com. there's a bunch of people who've already ordered these nismo products from japan and modified their cars.

 

[JasonDO]

Originally posted by Poesie Noire
whats your opinion with your g35? i have one myself and really love it. ever since the supra went out of production...in the u.s. that is...ive always anted an m3...but 50+ g....well...forget that. anyways, incase you're interested...NISMO (nissa motorsports) will be introducing all the skyline gtr performance products for the g35 coupe and sedan. it will probably take a year before all the stuff is out but they're starting this summer with the nismo intakes, exhausts, and peformance chip. the best thing all of it will be factory warrantied! once all the products are out..it will be very interesting because the g35 will be a legitimate competitor with the m3. nismo holds that the mods will have the vq engine in the g35 cranking 400 hp and 350 lb torque...with stiffer struts, sway bars, etc. THEN AGAIN...dont misunderstand me....nissan will officially introduce THE SKLYLINE GTR this year or next year. the legend itself. from what i heard...that should put most german peformance cars behind it...even up to the m6! apparently their hannover test runs kept it clocking the same numbers on the slalom as the porsche gt2! not bad considering it will start at 40 grand. anyways, check out g35driver.com. there's a bunch of people who've already ordered these nismo products from japan and modified their cars.

I am enjoying my g35 coupe...it's quite a value for under 40k...however, I am also very anxiously awaiting the NISMO or R-SPEC performance mods to increase the hp on the anemic 3.5L VQs 280 ponies...I have no doubt the car will feel better @400hp...but at what cost?? I wonder how the fuel efficiency will be affected...I am also wondering if it will be a supercharger or turbo?? part of me feels that I should've gotten a M3 coupe w/SMG...however, I think I'll wait until I finish residency...hopefully by that time the mighty M3 will be a true beast and rumble in w/a V8 pumping out 400++hp

 

[Sharpie]

This has got to be one of the most superficial posts ever on this board. While most other forums discuss issues with the field. answer med students questions, and offer support to each other during this difficult training period, this thread seems hellbent on talking about how much money you will make as a radiologist and what kind of car you will get. If you think posts like this will
#1. Cause people to respect you for the field you choose
#2. Set a good example and have people go into the field because they love radiology and not because they love money
#3. Stop people from thinking that radiologist make too much money

then you all have failed miserably.

 

[Voxel]

Get off your high horse. These kinds of discussions happen on daily basis by anesthesiologist, general surg, ortho, ent, in the OR in the cafeteria, etc (who happen mostly to be guys and who love cars). I have personally heard them and have been a part of the discussion.

Anyway, what level of training are you sharpie/what field?
I guess you'd rather just discuss medicine with your colleages. How boring. Yawn. You'll make lots of friends that way.

Also, I'd bet that the people discussing cars on this forum are not all going into radiology.

 

[ApacheIndian]

Sharpie,

You're looking in the wrong place my friend. If you'd like to meet and read the thoughts and sentiments of truly intelligent, deep, and mature budding Radiologists, come join us on the Medical Student forums at Aunt Minnie. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be moved to new heights. Oh and be sure to check out XXXRay69's hot & heavy porn escapade of the week there!

🙄

 

[JasonDO]

Originally posted by Sharpie
This has got to be one of the most superficial posts ever on this board. While most other forums discuss issues with the field. answer med students questions, and offer support to each other during this difficult training period, this thread seems hellbent on talking about how much money you will make as a radiologist and what kind of car you will get. If you think posts like this will
#1. Cause people to respect you for the field you choose
#2. Set a good example and have people go into the field because they love radiology and not because they love money
#3. Stop people from thinking that radiologist make too much money

then you all have failed miserably.

I didn't mean to offend anyone by my post...just like voxel said...I have these types of conversations with med students, residents, even attending physicians of all specialties...we all just love cars...I also enjoy talking about a bunch of other stuff as well...however, whenever I get around a bunch of guys...cars always seem to come up...I saw an amazing blonde today while I was driving to work...must've been mid to early 20's in a black tank top and jeans...she was driving a red ferrari 360 modena spider...

 

[xraydoc]

Originally posted by Sharpie
This has got to be one of the most superficial posts ever on this board. While most other forums discuss issues with the field. answer med students questions, and offer support to each other during this difficult training period, this thread seems hellbent on talking about how much money you will make as a radiologist and what kind of car you will get. If you think posts like this will
#1. Cause people to respect you for the field you choose
#2. Set a good example and have people go into the field because they love radiology and not because they love money
#3. Stop people from thinking that radiologist make too much money

then you all have failed miserably.

Perhaps this thread should have been in the lounge, but I don't think it is at all improper or superficial to discuss the "things" that provide some motivation to do the things we do as physicians. I used to wander the lot at the local lexus dealership to get up the motivation to study yet another late night away from my family. Whatever it takes, I say.

Fine cars (if one chooses) and the other fancier things of life add enjoyment to ones lot, and are one of the many advantages of being any type of physician and not just a radiologist. Being able to enjoy and afford a top of the line MB or BMW does not equate to the love of money. In order to survive in this profession we all need to be able to find things that are totally unrelated to medicine to spend time with. This will ultimately make us more humane physicians and better family men/women.

I think the jaded attitude that you bring here strikes me as jealousy or sour-grapes. I havn't even seen this attitude among colleagues or friends who make significantly less than I do.
They usually express encouragement that I am finally able to reward myself for all the punishment that my family and I have gone through in the last 15 years. To think any kind of physician makes to much money is illogical if you look at the salary structures out there of other less worthy professions.

P.S. I also have my eye on a 2003 Q45 (poor mans MB S500)

 

[AJG]

OK, since were talking about money, just how much can a general radiologist expect to start at right out of residency? I know salary varies by region, but how about in the midwest, or any other area of the country for that matter. Are the salary numbers on the following site accurate?
http://www.allied-physicians.com/salary_surveys/physician-salaries.htm

 

[xraydoc]

That appears pretty accurate according to my experience. Wow some other specialties have really sky rocketed!!

 

[ApacheIndian]

Apparently, that site has been recently updated b/c HOLY SHIZNIT Spine guys are making 1.3 mill now!? Neuro Surg in 2nd at 936K and wonderful, blissful Radiology pulling in 911K for a very respectable 3rd. Any guesses as to who makes the most per hour 😉?

Yup, at the bottom is says it was updated very recently... March 7th of this year.

I think this deserves to be posted on the Gen Res forum.

 

[AJG]

Dr. Cuts, those numbers you are refering to are maximum salaries. Are the numbers on the website for radiology right out of residency in the right ballpark?

 

[ApacheIndian]

Originally posted by AJG
Dr. Cuts, those numbers you are refering to are maximum salaries. Are the numbers on the website for radiology right out of residency in the right ballpark?

Caveat: I'm not a Radiologist nor have I matched Radiology as I type this...i.e. my opinion may be worthless. That said, I think 201K is the rock bottom bare minimum one can expect to get out of residency. I personally have never heard of anyone getting less than 280K or so.

 

[Voxel]

I think the survey is skewed toward the middle of the country, ie mid west and south-mid ie texas because this is where they mainly recruit from. Also, I wonder about the sample size. Some of the numbers seem out of line from other salary surveys I've seen. Only time will tell when the next round of MGMA, etc salary surveys come out so we can compare.

Also I believe the starting salary for radiologist is greater (1-2 years) than the 200K they list. Through the grape vine hear the average is about $250kish. A little lower in the NE big desirable cities/california/florida (~200K), but a little higher in rural/no managed care midwest (~275-300K) outside the major cities)). These are for private practice. But who really knows? Rad's private practice is fast paced. From what I hear it's not a place for the slow and there's not much down time (in private practice). I have images of foley caths and caffeine? lol. 😉

Anyway, you won't be poor. As for the spine guys, They've always made bank. That's no surprise. They're also get sued a whole lot more and any mistake is usually settled outta court. So they pay high malpractice premiums. They've worked hard in residency/fellowship and work hard in private practice. They deserve it. The one making 1.3 mil is working like a dog, probably 90-100hrs/wk. Life is full of choices. Choose wisely.

 

[The Pill Counter]

Hey Voxel, are you in Vegas? I didn't know there was a rads program in vegas... Anyways, my cousin's a newly practicing rad in vegas...fun town.

 

[Sharpie]

I think the jaded attitude that you bring here strikes me as jealousy or sour-grapes.

ah yes, the age old knee jerk response. Sorry guys, but I never pined to be a radiologist since I was 12 yrs old.
But that's besides the point.

No one saying that you guys shouldn't make your fair share of money(what's fair to everyone is different from person to person). As long as you read my films correctly, I really could give a rat's ass. I mean, it's not like I'm scraping pennies to live either.

But I think in this changing medical climate, ( I sound like a politician don't I?), I think you and I have both realized that people are choosing fields for more than just the plain reason that they like that field. But would you want someone who choose the field 60% for the field, 40% for love the money...or 40% for the field, and 60% for love the money. Remember, these will be your future colleagues. Do you really think it won't make a difference?

 

[JasonDO]

Originally posted by Sharpie
ah yes, the age old knee jerk response. Sorry guys, but I never pined to be a radiologist since I was 12 yrs old.
But that's besides the point.

No one saying that you guys shouldn't make your fair share of money(what's fair to everyone is different from person to person). As long as you read my films correctly, I really could give a rat's ass. I mean, it's not like I'm scraping pennies to live either.

But I think in this changing medical climate, ( I sound like a politician don't I?), I think you and I have both realized that people are choosing fields for more than just the plain reason that they like that field. But would you want someone who choose the field 60% for the field, 40% for love the money...or 40% for the field, and 60% for love the money. Remember, these will be your future colleagues. Do you really think it won't make a difference?

For me...I'd say 80% for the love of work and 20% money...you will not starve no matter what specialty of medicine you choose to go into...the most important thing is to be make sure you are happy with the decsions you've made

 

[scaredapplicant]

can you post the avg salaries in the following professions in PRIVATE PRACTICE

radiology
dermatology
invasive cardiology
gasterenterology
radiation oncology

just wondering... thanks