Tara Weiss, writing in Forbes, argues against becoming a doctor – Reasons Not To Become A Doctor

She paints a negative picture of the business of medicine.  Her arguments include:

1. Costs Of Practice Rise, Reimbursements Drop
2. Rising Malpractice Costs And Frivolous Lawsuits
3. School Debt
4. Salary
5. Decreased Autonomy
6. On-Call Responsibilities

All of these issues have some merit, but I believe she overestimates the negatives, and assumes that we will have no counter reaction to these problems.

I do believe we will have a payment revolution within 5 to 10 years.  Our current system of payment makes little sense.  Many writers and influence leaders now understand the problem.  More physicians are leaving insurance dependence, and I predict that this trend will only increase.

As a medical educator, I am distressed about the school debt issue.  At some point we (medical schools) must address this problem.

The case for becoming a doctor is a straightforward one.  Given what I know about medicine, I would do it again and I would encourage my children to do so.

Medicine remains the greatest profession.  Every day that I round on the wards, I know that my goal is to help people.  I make a nice salary, which helps, but the main goal when you are with the patient is the patient.  Patients sense that, and appreciate our doctoring.  Medicine satisfies my intellectual nature and my desire to help.

We have many financial issues to address in medicine, but many physicians still love the patient interaction.  My understanding of economics tells me that when demand exceeds supply sufficiently, the system will have to change.  I believe we are seeing many positive signs.  We have many states addressing the malpractice issues.

We have increasing numbers of internists and family physicians refusing to take new Medicare patients.  Now you are probably scratching your head – how is that a positive action?  I would argue that as Medicare patients have a more difficult time finding a physician, they will put more pressure on Congress to fix our payment system.  More physicians and patients now understand that our payment system is bizarre and creates perverse incentives.  Change does not happen quickly, but eventually we will get change here.

So the economics need fixing, but the profession remains desirable.  I see primary care graduates making acceptable salaries.  I see other specialties making incredible salaries.  I do not understand the teeth gnashing and general wailing about medicine.  We must address many issues, but not forget that we belong to the greatest profession.

I see medical students and residents every day who love what they do.  The “job” is rewarding.

I will agree that if your goal is to get Rich (rather then just very well off) you should choose another career.  But if you want to have the opportunity to positively impact people daily, become a physician.