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I have observed the devolution of medicine over the past 30 years. Anyone who is not independently wealthy would be ill-advised to choose a career in medicine as the exepense to achieve it is becoming more difficult each year to pay off. Physician salaries in the U.S. continue to decline, and although they are the highest in the industrialized world, those who promote universal health care want to level the playing field among physician salaries.

With tuition and expenses running upward of $60K per year for the 4 years of medical school, and salaries for medical residents ranging from $30-35K per year for the 3-7 additional years of training post medical school, it is easily seen that an overwhelming debt is difficult, if not impossible to pay back. If one graduates from medical school with a $250K debt, and cannot pay but minimal interest payments during residency, the debt load could be substantial when the physician finally has some earning power i.e. $200K plus. It is difficult to start a family and buy a house under these circumstances, especially while working 60-80 hours per week.

Universal health care sounds terrific for those who have no medical coverage, but wait until you have the wonderful things like prioritization and waiting lists. There will no longer be "instant gratification" as Americans are used to. If you need an MRI scan, get in line and wait your turn. Likewise with cancer treatment and other medical necessities. The system is based upon the premise that while you are waiting in line, you will die and someone else will jump ahead.

I discouraged my own children from considering medicine, and interestingly enough, my daughter makes as much money with fewer hours and responsibility working as a retail pharmacist than some of my physician colleagues.