Comments on: Physician Salaries on the Decline http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/ my journey through medical school Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:37:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Seriously? http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-989 Seriously? Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:37:16 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-989 John,<br>Please get off the internet. John,
Please get off the internet.

]]> By: miamihippo http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-975 miamihippo Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:20:42 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-975 john,<br>more residency slots are supported by the ama. Our government is the one not giving the additional funds to residency programs! Why is that? maybee bc we r too busy giving funds away to other countries.<br>your comment on 'US docs and inflated salaries'....hello, r u nuts have you even looked at the finances invested to become a doc... and the 10 years where you are basically bringing home minimum wage or working for free in a research position...<br>your next comment "nurses and pharm are competent to prescribe"--- do you want your mother to be prescribed meds for her uncontrolled diabetes by a 2 year RN who didnt even have to do a 3-5 year residency after her 'class room education'<br>what will solve the problem is if government pays for more residency positions.... more slots to FMG's and US grads..... may the best candidates earn the positions...there should not be different requirements for fmg verse the amg's. why should amg be allowed to score 70 and fmg must score 99... this is whats insane.... this is why health care will suffer in quality of care.... its not based upon how much you know, but who you know... and noone is regulating this..... signed, miss florida john,
more residency slots are supported by the ama. Our government is the one not giving the additional funds to residency programs! Why is that? maybee bc we r too busy giving funds away to other countries.
your comment on 'US docs and inflated salaries'….hello, r u nuts have you even looked at the finances invested to become a doc… and the 10 years where you are basically bringing home minimum wage or working for free in a research position…
your next comment “nurses and pharm are competent to prescribe”— do you want your mother to be prescribed meds for her uncontrolled diabetes by a 2 year RN who didnt even have to do a 3-5 year residency after her 'class room education'
what will solve the problem is if government pays for more residency positions…. more slots to FMG's and US grads….. may the best candidates earn the positions…there should not be different requirements for fmg verse the amg's. why should amg be allowed to score 70 and fmg must score 99… this is whats insane…. this is why health care will suffer in quality of care…. its not based upon how much you know, but who you know… and noone is regulating this….. signed, miss florida

]]> By: John http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-779 John Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:27:31 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-779 Medical doctors in the United States enjoy appallingly inflated salaries. I attribute this problem primarily to the AMA, an institution which effectively enforces a chronic supply shortage in addition to unnecessary demand. The educational system is strangled by the withholding nature of the AMA, which prevents universities from properly responding to the enormous demand for training slots. This environment prevents equilibrium from occurring. Prescribing has been monopolized in spite of the fact that nurses and pharmacists are unquestionably competent enough to grant drugs in certain instances. Well-trained foreign doctors are subjected to unnecessarily lengthy re-training programmes. I could easily continue. Minimizing entrance barriers and burdensome regulations would resolve most of the problems we're witnessing in the medical system. Medical doctors in the United States enjoy appallingly inflated salaries. I attribute this problem primarily to the AMA, an institution which effectively enforces a chronic supply shortage in addition to unnecessary demand. The educational system is strangled by the withholding nature of the AMA, which prevents universities from properly responding to the enormous demand for training slots. This environment prevents equilibrium from occurring. Prescribing has been monopolized in spite of the fact that nurses and pharmacists are unquestionably competent enough to grant drugs in certain instances. Well-trained foreign doctors are subjected to unnecessarily lengthy re-training programmes. I could easily continue. Minimizing entrance barriers and burdensome regulations would resolve most of the problems we’re witnessing in the medical system.

]]> By: Not a Doctor http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-777 Not a Doctor Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:26:29 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-777 I was seriously considering pursuing a career as a doctor until I started having conversations with extended family members in the profession. The amount of bitter you have to eat is amazing. The factors that were important to me in deciding not to become a physician were the following: extremely long work hours (50-70/week) and being on call, the brutality of residency (100+ hour work weeks, low pay, and the system used to assign residencies), the debt (it almost necessitates going for a high paying specialty), and the rising fraction of time spent dealing with bureaucracies (as opposed to time spent on patient care). I was most interested in family practice or endocrinology and was told flat out that I might have difficulties making ends meet. They all said they loved working in medicine, but that becoming a physician’s assistant or looking into medical physics (physics was my undergraduate major) might both be better options. The last nail in the coffin was the impending socialization of medicine. The idea of universal coverage is laudable and likely inevitable. However, there is a significant risk that physicians will be subjected to pay cuts and greater bureaucratic intervention. For now, I’m putting the idea of becoming a doctor on hold and looking at other options. I was seriously considering pursuing a career as a doctor until I started having conversations with extended family members in the profession. The amount of bitter you have to eat is amazing. The factors that were important to me in deciding not to become a physician were the following: extremely long work hours (50-70/week) and being on call, the brutality of residency (100+ hour work weeks, low pay, and the system used to assign residencies), the debt (it almost necessitates going for a high paying specialty), and the rising fraction of time spent dealing with bureaucracies (as opposed to time spent on patient care). I was most interested in family practice or endocrinology and was told flat out that I might have difficulties making ends meet. They all said they loved working in medicine, but that becoming a physician’s assistant or looking into medical physics (physics was my undergraduate major) might both be better options. The last nail in the coffin was the impending socialization of medicine. The idea of universal coverage is laudable and likely inevitable. However, there is a significant risk that physicians will be subjected to pay cuts and greater bureaucratic intervention. For now, I’m putting the idea of becoming a doctor on hold and looking at other options.

]]> By: IR Doc http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-772 IR Doc Wed, 13 May 2009 02:32:31 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-772 John misses the point. As a group I don't believe physicians are asking government to "do something." On the contrary, we are hoping the government doesn't implement laws and regulations that determine what we (I) should get paid. Many individuals without health insurance can afford it, but they choose alternatives such as flat screen televisions, better neighborhoods, 2 bedroom apartments rather than 1, nike shoes instead of non designer labels,and so on. Why is free health care the right of all individuals such as this? I do a job that took me 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of residency and 1 year of fellowship -- that,s 14 years of schooling after high school. Then I did 3 years as a junior partner in a radiology practice. Now I'm a partner and guess what, I drive a Honda Accord and still make wise financial decisions. Now, the government comes along and sets the value of my profession with the "relative value unit" so that a particular procedure has a particular value. Then, they decide to pay me only 80% of that value ... and to cut the payment 5% each year over the next 10 years! Yes, I can survive on a much lower salary -- so can you and everyone else. But where else does government determine what a nongovernmental worker should be payed? Oh yeah, in the bank takeover. It's not so important the salary, but the fact that Uncle Sam feels that they have the right to control it. I for one and many others will not tolerate such a socialistic control over my livelihood. Take note of the courses being offered around the nation that help give physicians the ideas and resources to leave medicine and still live a productive (though less profitable) life. At least we again can work in a job where the ones who work hard and sacrifice can earn a salary commensurate with there effort (Did I mention 14 years of education and being on call every other week, being woken up all night long to leave my wife and kids to go to the hospital?) I won't even discuss the horrendous hours I worked during my 14 years of training or the 10 years of governmental service I provided as an Air Force physician. John, your comments are very shallow. John misses the point. As a group I don’t believe physicians are asking government to “do something.” On the contrary, we are hoping the government doesn’t implement laws and regulations that determine what we (I) should get paid. Many individuals without health insurance can afford it, but they choose alternatives such as flat screen televisions, better neighborhoods, 2 bedroom apartments rather than 1, nike shoes instead of non designer labels,and so on. Why is free health care the right of all individuals such as this? I do a job that took me 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of residency and 1 year of fellowship — that,s 14 years of schooling after high school. Then I did 3 years as a junior partner in a radiology practice. Now I’m a partner and guess what, I drive a Honda Accord and still make wise financial decisions. Now, the government comes along and sets the value of my profession with the “relative value unit” so that a particular procedure has a particular value. Then, they decide to pay me only 80% of that value … and to cut the payment 5% each year over the next 10 years! Yes, I can survive on a much lower salary — so can you and everyone else. But where else does government determine what a nongovernmental worker should be payed? Oh yeah, in the bank takeover. It’s not so important the salary, but the fact that Uncle Sam feels that they have the right to control it. I for one and many others will not tolerate such a socialistic control over my livelihood. Take note of the courses being offered around the nation that help give physicians the ideas and resources to leave medicine and still live a productive (though less profitable) life. At least we again can work in a job where the ones who work hard and sacrifice can earn a salary commensurate with there effort (Did I mention 14 years of education and being on call every other week, being woken up all night long to leave my wife and kids to go to the hospital?) I won’t even discuss the horrendous hours I worked during my 14 years of training or the 10 years of governmental service I provided as an Air Force physician.

John, your comments are very shallow.

]]> By: h http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-752 h Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:15:36 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-752 You sound educated John, what with your inability to distinguish between "they're" and "their". When you take into account the massive debt that med students take on, the incredibly high malpractice insurance and the other costs, they really aren't making that much. You sound educated John, what with your inability to distinguish between “they’re” and “their”. When you take into account the massive debt that med students take on, the incredibly high malpractice insurance and the other costs, they really aren’t making that much.

]]> By: China Dr http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-743 China Dr Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:14:33 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-743 I agree with John. I have seen alot of changes through the 30 years of practicing medicine. Many foreign medical graduates work in the US for a little time just to gain experience, then go back to their home countries to set up shop there! On top of that, I've seen students go to medical school and finish residencies in the US only to go back to their motherland. That's one expense the US will never capitalize on. I agree with John. I have seen alot of changes through the 30 years of practicing medicine. Many foreign medical graduates work in the US for a little time just to gain experience, then go back to their home countries to set up shop there! On top of that, I’ve seen students go to medical school and finish residencies in the US only to go back to their motherland. That’s one expense the US will never capitalize on.

]]> By: John http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-742 John Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:43:49 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-742 Accountant salaries are dropping, GOVERNMENT DO SOMETHING!!!. Why should the government do something for doctors when they're income is falling. There are many fields that don't pay as much that highly qualified people still go into. Just look at the poeple at the SEC or the FED RESERVE. Those people had been making 10x in private jobs but they still chose to move and do the lower paying job in the government. Other jobs as well don't pay as much. Smart people still invest time to get PH.D's in those fields and do the job. They ran up debt to finish their educations too. They don't run crying to the government everytime they don't think they make enough money! Quit your F***IN whining all you doctors and get real! If you don't like it get the F**K out of medicine! There are plenty of FMG's that can take your place for a fraction of what you charge! If that doesn't work there is a rising tide of medical tourism and fields like radiology are already getting outsourced. Accountant salaries are dropping, GOVERNMENT DO SOMETHING!!!. Why should the government do something for doctors when they’re income is falling. There are many fields that don’t pay as much that highly qualified people still go into. Just look at the poeple at the SEC or the FED RESERVE. Those people had been making 10x in private jobs but they still chose to move and do the lower paying job in the government. Other jobs as well don’t pay as much. Smart people still invest time to get PH.D’s in those fields and do the job. They ran up debt to finish their educations too. They don’t run crying to the government everytime they don’t think they make enough money! Quit your F***IN whining all you doctors and get real! If you don’t like it get the F**K out of medicine! There are plenty of FMG’s that can take your place for a fraction of what you charge! If that doesn’t work there is a rising tide of medical tourism and fields like radiology are already getting outsourced.

]]> By: David http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-591 David Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:47:26 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-591 US medical grads make more since we must pay not only for 4 years of college, but also 4 years of medical school. Many countries don't even require 4 years of undergraduate, and medical school is free. Perhaps our control of CHRONIC disease could be attributed to the inability of our citizens to adequately take care of themselves (eating right, not smoking, taking their medications). Remember, doctors cannot take the fork out of your hand. Americans need to take some responsibility for their own health. US medical grads make more since we must pay not only for 4 years of college, but also 4 years of medical school. Many countries don’t even require 4 years of undergraduate, and medical school is free. Perhaps our control of CHRONIC disease could be attributed to the inability of our citizens to adequately take care of themselves (eating right, not smoking, taking their medications). Remember, doctors cannot take the fork out of your hand. Americans need to take some responsibility for their own health.

]]> By: Tom Adams http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/comment-page-1/#comment-572 Tom Adams Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:21:12 +0000 http://www.jeffreymd.com/2007/12/08/physician-salaries-on-the-decline/#comment-572 Medical Doctors in the U.S. make 3 to 4 times more than their counterparts in other developed countries, yet many of these countries have much better health outcomes as measured by life expectancy, control of cronic disease and infant mortality. This certainly begs the question, are extremely high physician salaries essential for good national health. Medical Doctors in the U.S. make 3 to 4 times more than their counterparts in other developed countries, yet many of these countries have much better health outcomes as measured by life expectancy, control of cronic disease and infant mortality. This certainly begs the question, are extremely high physician salaries essential for good national health.

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