2007-03-27 08:18:17 · 6 answers · asked by moronion 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I agree with the other responses; I don't think most doctors thought much about cost/benefit in a financial sense because the time investment and loss of income probably deters truly financially oriented people.
I think most people who matriculate to medical school become doctors for a few reasons: to help people; it's a respected profession; and to some extent also the expected income after training. The other advantage is that you can customize your career to incorporate patient care, research/teaching, administrative and business components depending upon your interests.
Currently, anyone interested in medical school wishing to do a true cost/benefit analysis should factor in the cost of tuition for four years, relatively low or no income for 7-14 years, and estimated malpractice and overhead expenses. From a purely financial cost/benefit analysis it's probably not worth it.
Do it because you love helping people and for the personal challenge and rewards; you can't place a direct value but that's what makes it worthwhile for me.
2007-03-27 14:52:21 · answer #1 · answered by subatomicdoc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-30 22:37:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your question, and I think at some point in most peoples lives they have thought about it for awhile considering this a career choice, but I never think this is the real reason that MOST people continue on into this type of HARD life.
If you have a relative, or close friend who is a MD you will know how demanding a lifestyle it is. The are constantly at work, and how they put up with the constantly nagging patients - is beyond me. I would say that most MDs have their medical school bills payed off pretty quick, after they start up so it's not really that much of a concern, what is, is WHEN they get to spend the money they are making!
If you go in it for the money, you will get the money, but you will not be happy, because that's not what it's all about - it's about helping people. If that is your kick then that is the real benefit - the money is great and when you get time off (rarely) you'll be able to spend it, drive nice cars, go on cruises, and live in great houses.
2007-03-27 08:36:00 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me, and I think most, it was an emotional, not an analytical, decision. School and training are pretty brutal, or were in my day, and it takes something more than numbers to get through.
2007-03-27 09:29:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you start practicing, you will be paying your loan off for about 10 years.
2007-03-27 17:10:38 · answer #5 · answered by kenneth h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think most of us did. (Otherwise, we'd be CEO's or lawyers)
It's not about the money.
It's about doing what you were called to do.
2007-03-27 12:53:10 · answer #6 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋