by Jessica Lofgren

Created on: March 25, 2009

As a fourth year medical student, I have had the opportunity to work with over 30 different physicians spanning the last four years of my education. Every single one of those doctors showed an intense commitment to their patient's health without regard to their own pocketbooks. In the health community there is a large misconception that the only thing that motivates a doctor is money. I have heard from several patients and other members of the community about how they have felt that their doctor is ripping them off by ordering a slew of unnecessary tests in order to make a few more bucks. The truth of the matter is there is a standard of care in place and mandated guidelines that physicians must follow. Doctors do not make money from sending you for a blood test, or by referring you for a stress test, a colonoscopy, a DEXA scan, etc. When a physician offers you these services it is because there is evidence based research that states this is the appropriate course of action. By not offering a patient the appropriate tests and follow-up a physician risks losing their medical license.

In addition to the community's concern over the ordering of exams, I have also heard much debate over the salary of a doctor being overinflated. I am not going to lie; most doctors make a good living. However, what most people don't know is that it takes a good 10-15 years of commitment and hard work before you reach those salaries. First every aspiring physician must attend a 4 year college which comes with approximately a $30,000 price tag. Then comes 4 years of medical school, which is extremely intense. During the first two years you spend eight hours a day in the classroom, and 10 hours each weekend day in the library preparing for exams. All free time is replaced with studying, making a personal life a luxury. The last two years of medical school are spent working in clinics and hospitals for free. Therefore, by law, medical students can work up to 80 hours a week for 2 years without pay. All in all, at the end of eight years of schooling, all you have to show is $200,000-350,000 worth of student loan debt, new undereye circles, and a diploma. Then residency begins, which is the next step on my career path. Basically the hospital you work for owns you for the next 3-5 years at $45,000 (on average) before taxes. Trust me when I say that if you are out to just make money, there are much easier and more lucrative ways to do so. Not to mention, I have a hard time understanding

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