> required on-the-job training (ie residency program, possibly a fellowship), it can take 6-12 years to fully train a doctor. > Whatever you may think of us so

> required on-the-job training (ie residency program, possibly a fellowship), it can take 6-12 years to fully train a doctor. > Whatever you may think of us software engineers, we're nowhere near the same level as a doctor in terms of required training. I don't know about that. Residency takes years, but I'm not convinced it couldn't be done faster (there are cultural reasons why it's done that way). Basically, there's a strict pecking order among residents (first years are taught and evaluated by second years and so on) and every "level" basically tries to show off to his boss (because most coveted spots are competitive). That often degenerates into a contest of who can sleep the least and be the hero that keeps the floor from "falling apart". I've seen fourth year residents undo work from third years, who themselves re-did work the second year did, who himself re-did something the first year resident had done. Everyone "saved the day" that night, except when the attending came in the morning he agreed with the diagnosis and treatment the first year resident implemented. You get the picture. The long years of schooling with little, expensive residency matching trips and interviews and unrelated undergrad required to even apply are all pretty good gatekeeping mechanism to keep poor people out however.