zengirl Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 My dad wiped out his med school debt within 2 years of starting his practice. Residents are still "students"- and how many "students" do you know that make $40K a year? It's a small price to pay to advance to 6 figures so quickly once you graduate. And, not many doctors change their mind. You don't dedicate your life to this practice unless it's something you really want to do. I realize all that. But within 2 years of starting his own practice---how old was he? That's why I said it's an investment. I know residents are still students, but. . . man, that's the longest schooling in the world. (Understandable for the field.) I think your last point is mainly what I've been pointing out: Nobody really becomes a doctor purely for the money. There are easier ways to just make money. They have to want to be a doctor. I'm not saying anybody shouldn't be (or marry) a doctor! Just. . . being a doctor isn't really about the money perse. What a lot of people don't realize is that most physicians can wipe their school loan debts within a couple to 3 years after going into practice and not all medical school loans are 6 figures, especially if you have scholarships and go to school in-state. As alluded to above, a lot of physicians do not pay off loans right away because they have spent so many years deferring their gratification and living off of chump change so that when they first start to really make money, they do not want to spend it wiping out their loans immediately. They want to finally start paying themselves first. I can't blame them. It is a long road of education, really. I realize all of that, but averages are 6 figures, and it's pretty uncommon to come out with much less than that. My point is "Being a doctor" is definitely far, far, far from the easiest money (or even the most money) in the world. Also, if you're dating a resident, don't expect him to have loads of time or money. I think if there are folks going after medical residents (especially those in the earlier stages) for their money, they're either really patient or really uninformed. That was my point. But I don't advocate going after a fellow for his money anyway.
D-Lish Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 What a lot of people don't realize is that most physicians can wipe their school loan debts within a couple to 3 years after going into practice and not all medical school loans are 6 figures, especially if you have scholarships and go to school in-state. As alluded to above, a lot of physicians do not pay off loans right away because they have spent so many years deferring their gratification and living off of chump change so that when they first start to really make money, they do not want to spend it wiping out their loans immediately. They want to finally start paying themselves first. I can't blame them. It is a long road of education, really. Of course it is- and it's a rough road. My dad graduated in a time where residents worked 80+ hours a week and would catch brief naps in the lounge. They lived, ate, and slept hospital life back then. Now that he is close to retirement, he is set for life financially. The schooling aspect is a small price to pay for a lifetime of luxury.
Choboto Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 well after the med bill passes doctors wont be making **** for a salary.
Sabali Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 well after the med bill passes doctors wont be making **** for a salary. Don't be so quick to make that judgment. More insured patients means more business. Doctors have been dancing around crazy bills, medical laws and insurance companies for years. This is just one of those wait and see things.
D-Lish Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 well after the med bill passes doctors wont be making **** for a salary. That's not true at all. It will simply be more regulated. My dad is a Canadian doc, and even though he is working in the US right now, he made his fair shre of dollars working within the Canadian heathcare system. He's still a millionaire.
zengirl Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 well after the med bill passes doctors wont be making **** for a salary. No, they'll still be wealthy. It might hinder the massive wealth of a few private practices, and certainly some insurance sectors, but doctors will always be able to eke out a more-than-decent living.
Sabali Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 That's not true at all. It will simply be more regulated. My dad is a Canadian doc, and even though he is working in the US right now, he made his fair shre of dollars working within the Canadian heathcare system. He's still a millionaire. So how are we going to spend your inheritance?
TaurusTerp Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 What's 2K in debt if you make that much cash or more in one year? That's top 5% salary in the world. That debt is equivalent to owning one house if you think about it. It's an investment. A lot of doc's can pay those loans off relatively quick if they wanted, I am sure. Not to mention having job security no matter how bad the economy goes. Also, they are many subspecialties of medicine and there work load is different. I wouldn't expect to see a surgeon much but dermatologists and rheumatologists have a relatively easy life style and not excessively long hours. Residents and interns work long hours but they are more regulated compared to 6 or 7 years ago. Then they could work those guys how long they wanted. Now they can only work a certain amount of hours per week. Probably not a bad idea to be in the medical field including pharmacy in the end. Probably dating a doc would be like dating many other professionals except money would be less of an object. I personally couldn't date one because I don't like power struggles and those guys are trained to take control. This sounds like information you heard by word of mouth 10 years ago. Most of it is completely false.
TaurusTerp Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 And if you do meet/date a surgeon, keep in mind the divorce rates are through the roof. I'm a surgical resident, and literally 90% of the attendings in my department are divorced. It's absurd.
D-Lish Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 No, they'll still be wealthy. It might hinder the massive wealth of a few private practices, and certainly some insurance sectors, but doctors will always be able to eke out a more-than-decent living. So how are we going to spend your inheritance? And if you do meet/date a surgeon, keep in mind the divorce rates are through the roof. I'm a surgical resident, and literally 90% of the attendings in my department are divorced. It's absurd. Divorce in general is high. So choose your ride and drink responsibly.
Sabali Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 (edited) This sounds like information you heard by word of mouth 10 years ago. Most of it is completely false. What!? You can't be a surgical resident. You simply can't be. By the way point out the false statements. I am sure I or anyone else can back them up with relatively little research. Edited July 31, 2010 by Sabali
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