You guys keep linking Doctors with money and prestige, which is understandable but a wrong accusation. The grueling years you spend as an undergrad, med student, and earning your residency is by no way the best way to get rich. Even so, not all doctors make a lot of money, especially for how much work they do.
I am considering medical school and from what I have heard from doctors, they receive a lot different reactions. Some are thankful, some hate you, either way it dosent matter because your not being a doctor for praises. They warned us, if your doing for the money and prestige dont even bother because if you dont want to genuinely help people, your just going to overwork yourself and get sick of the profession. Its not easy being a doctor, especially when you have to work 20+ hours in the ER, and constantly being beeped by your pager. Also if your screw up on paperwork and so, your going to get hounded by your superiors. In addition there just isnt enough doctors at the moment.
I can understand why some of you despise doctors, Im not here to dissuade that. Im just trying to give light on their perspective.
In fact, there are plenty of doctors who just shouldnt be doctors, despite how smart they are.
Also the way a region regulates who gets into med school is different. For instance in Taiwan, its based soley on marks, which can create problems. In Canada, where I live, you are ranked equally on Academic qualities, and Non academic qualities. You have to go to several interviews, and they want to see if you are fit to be a doctor. Obviously there will be flaws but I think its much better regulated this way, (much harder for me though…)
Also as a side note, I dont know what the medical services are like in the States. I dont want to pass off bad judgment, but I've heard some horror stories. I saw the movie Sicko, and even though its biased, I would be lying if I said it didnt make me look down on the US medical services.