I don't think it's radiology or anesthesiology since she mentioned "fellowship." Boy, that Melody lady is an idiot.
Here's the post for all who hadn't read:
Drblackman--where DO you practice? Your response did point out some oversights, but I don't know that you addressed them correctly.
1. Medical school costs. Yes, they are tremendous, and heavily subsidized by student loans, which, ultimately, have to be faced. My niece has just finished her final "fellowship" and is entering real medical practice this summer. Starting salary: in the neighborhood of $300K; annual leave: about 4 months. Repaying low-interest student loans will not be high on her "to-do" list . . . and will be only accomplished at the minimum schedule allowed by the lender. While in medical school, she did NOT wait tables or cashier for McD. She had her "image-demanding" sports car for transportation; wore designer clothes; and took several vacations--skiing in Vail, sunning on beaches.
2. Lost opportunity. Again, speaking from first-hand experience, my daughter, who graduated with B.S. in microbiology, entered the work force 14 years ago. Her first job paid her a whopping $19K. Even with merit and COLA raises, her current earning power is in the neighborhood of $40K. So, I somehow find it difficult to sympathize with this loss of opportunity excuse. While going through internship, niece had to work for the pittance ($30-$40K) that you mentioned; and in her first full year, she will earn more than her cousin has in 14 years. Shall I rosin my bow now for the violin concerto???
3. Practice costs. Yes, I know that pesky malpractice insurance premiums encroach on what would be an otherwise "nice" income. Needless to say, there IS a reason for it. Doctors MALPRACTICE. The entitlements associated with M.D. somehow ignore RESPONSIBILITY. The elite fraternity to which doctors belong want the prestige and the money--they just don't want to be accountable when they screw up. They close ranks, will rarely testify against their brethren regardless of how egregious the act, and are content to point their fingers at those "pesky, greedy trial lawyers" as the root of high medical costs. .You state: "Fortunately, the vast majority of people enter this profession these days because of a desire to contribute, to help others, to be lifelong learners, and to push the limits of what is known about science and medicine." Knowing what I've learned from my niece, this is merely your attempt to deflect ill-will from the profession. My niece entered the profession BECAUSE OF THE MONEY. As a high school youngster, she contemplated either medicine or the law! Because she wanted to do good for her fellow man? To contribute? To push the limits of science and medicine? She wants big bucks, a perfect home, lots of free time for vacation travel, limited interface with patients, and a 9-to-5 lifestyle--none of those bothersome nighttime call-outs for her!
Give them the benefit of the doubt . . . but try sprinkling a bit more truth in your assessment.
By: Melody on May 02, 2006 at 12:09pm
