4 ms·
It's an interesting question - is this in fact a good thing, because we are left with only those who really want to be doctors regardless of how much money they
by swampthing 14y ago
It's an interesting question - is this in fact a good thing, because we are left with only those who really want to be doctors regardless of how much money they make (and some people from really rich families)? Medicine seems like a field where you wouldn't want people that are motivated by money.
- nmcfarl 14y agoThe problem is that large scale debt makes you interested in money AFTER you get the degree. While getting it, the debts on hold, and there is no pressure. If you want a class of Doctors that don't care about money, have them accumulate moderate debt, and get a nice but not extravagant income. But Huge debt with a just large enough income to pay it off, just makes people who otherwise wouldn't care about cash, start caring about cash. (This is exacerbated by the fact that many Doc's go straight through and have never had a job until Residency, where they have to pay off the debt - but are not (yet) making enough money to do so. That'll focus your mind on money fast.)
- rayiner 14y agoThat's predicated on the false premise that being motivated by money is in any way correlated (positively or negatively) with the qualities we want in doctors. Lots (most?) brilliant people are motivated by money.
- swampthing 14y agoBrilliance isn't the only thing I'd look for in a doctor... most of the time, you have a very common issue and don't need brilliance. Having several family members who are doctors, I would say the most important thing to me would be compassion.