Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us

Re:Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us by jivatmanx on Thursday February 21, 2013 @09:23AM (#5257506)

I'd add, the cost of medical education before one can practice in the U.S. has multiplied over the years and seems excessive compared to Europe, where medicine is traditionally a 6-year undergraduate program.

As a result, doctors needs to get paid far more, especially specialists.

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Re:Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us by robbiep on Thursday February 21, 2013 @09:48AM (#5257647)

You're right about the cost however the time issue is changing in many places: Much of Europe: 6y med school then 4-6y specialist training (10-12 years)

Cost: minimal depending on country

Australia and the UK: 6 med school, or an undergrad and 4 years postgrad (min. 4y) + 2 years general training + 5-6 years specialist training (12-13 years)

Cost (aus): 7k per year of undergrad study Pay (aus): 56k starting salary (up to 80 w/ overtime)

The US/Canada: 4 years undergrad, 4 med school, 5-6 years training - 14 years

Cost (us): 30-50k per year study Pay (us) : ~45k intern

So the time taken to training completion is not drastically different (a year or two) but the total debt rung up does weigh on not just he doctors but everyone employed with a degree in the us:

Having said that, it is often said that doctors in the US earn more than their colleagues overseas: this is not true; although the top 0.05% may have higher earning capacity on average the US doctor earns about the same as elsewhere (certainly between the US and Australia anyway)

When you take int account lifetime debt and interest payments i feel that US doctors are getting a raw deal really

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