Explain THIS one!

[BillyJoe]

The average third-year medical student, at least in the U.S., is actually between 26-28.

Hmmm.....In australia you go straight to Med School after year 12, that is to say at the age of 17 - 18. So the average third-year medical student would be 20 - 21.
What do they do over there for the five years after year 12?

Actually, the minimum length of a residency is three-years - even Family Practice - in order to be board-eligible in whatever field you intend to practice.

I'm pretty sure in Australia it's two years.

AFTER four years of medical school....

Here its SIX years!!!!!!

You don't make squat during residency and fellowship... just enough to get by. And, you don't have a life either....it is an investment of time, money, blood, sweat, and tears.....it is a lifelong commitment to learning and putting others needs somewhat ahead of your own. It's a lifestyle, not an occupation

So....why....do....you....do....it???
Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow at least?

BillyJoe.

 

[Aoidoi]

Hmmm.....In australia you go straight to Med School after year 12, that is to say at the age of 17 - 18. So the average third-year medical student would be 20 - 21.
What do they do over there for the five years after year 12?

In the US you go to med school after getting a Bachelor's degree with the prerequisite courses mentioned above (year of chem, etc). This usually takes 4 years. So most people start med school after getting a Bachelors at 22. A college roommate of mine spent a year working for a neurosurgeon after graduating then started an MD/PHD program which takes 6 years IIRC. So he won't even get out of school until he's almost 30.

Of course, it's also possible to get a bachelor's in less than 4 years... or in a lot longer than 4 years (if you can keep dealing with tuition that long )

I think the general rule in the US is that you're legally required to be in school until you're 16, most people graduate High School at 18, 4 years of college to 22, then people do grad school or med school. I think a lot of people do grad school part time and have their company pay for it, I assume that's not an option for med school.

So....why....do....you....do....it???
Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow at least?

If I knew that, I wouldn't be an engineer.

It used to be that doctors made lots of money, were well respected, and were able to help people. From the complaints I've heard they're now stuck dealing with insurance more than patients, are in constant danger of lawsuits, and it seems like the quacks generally get better press than the real docs. But then, I'm a cynic and am probably cherry picking data.

 

[Dr. Imago]

I'm pretty sure in Australia...

Duly noted. I'm not really all that sure about how the varied medical education systems work outside the U.S. and Canada. Each country is a little different. Sounds like Australia is based more on the English model.

So....why....do....you....do....it???
Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow at least?

Why do it? Because it's fascinating. Everyday I'm amazed at what I see and learn. When it becomes tedious to the point that I lose heart and become no longer a good caregiver, I'll go do something else. You can do a lot with an M.D. that doesn't involve direct patient care.

And, the pot of gold is still there, but it's gotten a lot smaller.

-TT

 

[BillyJoe]

Best of luck TT (and Aoidoi). Hope the satisfaction in the work is better than the money.

BillyJoe.

PS
Don't become a media Doc - they truely suck!