Are doctors just overpaid mechanics?

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
They are not overpaid, in fact they usually earn about what they are worth, given the rules of the games they play, and how much people are willing to spend to watch them. A top level player is a one in a million person, and can't be replaced by two almost as good players, a robot, outsourcing, or restructuring the organization, as the rules of the game don't allow that. A top level surgeon can get paid alot if they want, but many jobs like teachers don't get performance based pay.
If it bothers you, then don't pay into the pro sports industry. It's not the star athletes fault that they are actually worth millions to kick a ball around, its the fans that have decided that by paying what they do to watch.
I will not digress into a discussion that is pointless but there is NO WAY any of them are being paid what they are worth based upon their contributions to society or the "good" they do as compared to doctors, teachers and the like.

 

[ls1mike]

I will tell you my buddy who survived colon cancer wanted to operate on his colon and it wasn't a Mechanic.
He did not have to have a permanent bag after the surgery.

 

[SonofJoe]

Originally Posted By: 02SE
Originally Posted By: SonofJoe


Agreed. It is not 'free' and everyone understands that. It's collectively paid for through direct taxation. It's just 'free' at the point of delivery, so no personalised bills, no restrictions for pre-existing conditions and rubbish like that. The point I was trying to make was that however bizarre, self-inflicted or morally dubious your medical problem is, you still get dealt with and fixed up.

Just to be clear, you can also 'go private' here if you have money. You're under no obligation to use the NHS (although, as it's paid for through taxation, you can't opt-out of paying for it). The private sector does a lot of routine stuff like hip replacements, etc. Most cosmetic stuff is done privately. However, it you've got something seriously wrong with you, then you're far better off with the NHS, not because of cost but because that's where all the true expertise resides. My ex had a huge cancer op a few years back. It was all done by the NHS and she's still alive and thriving.

I'm a big supporter of social medicine if only because it's massively cheaper than the US system which seems to me to be organised primarily for the benefit of health suppliers, insurance companies and Big Pharma, not the ordinary bloke in the street.


I'm just pointing out that contrary to your claim: "such work is done free, gratis and for nothing under the NHS." that is in fact not correct, which you have now acknowledged.

Socialized medicine sounds just wonderful, unless you happen to have an ill Son by the name of Charlie Gard.

So what we know is that it is most certainly not "free" by any stretch, and in fact doesn't cover the most needy.



Ah yes. Charlie Gard. Poor soul. Incredibly unlucky to be born with that rare genetic disorder. Treated with total and utter respect in the UK and kept alive by artificial means but destined to one of those that just aren't going to make it.

And then he has the double misfortune to have some cruel, devious, shyster American quack get on his case and offer false hope to two parents who are desperate. He makes all these bold claims as to how he's going to save this poor lad with a revolutionary new treatment, all without actually seeing him. Wow! What a doctor! Of course, Mr Shyster stipulates that they'll need money and tonnes of it for said treatment and mum and dad move Heaven and Earth to get the cash raised. But when push comes to shove, and all of this nasty, money grubbing con-man's claims are exposed in court, well maybe he's not so sure of his facts anymore and maybe he agrees the boy can't actually be saved and NEVER COULD!

Appalling behaviour! Hang your head in shame America.

 

[02SE]

Originally Posted By: SonofJoe
Originally Posted By: 02SE
Originally Posted By: SonofJoe


Agreed. It is not 'free' and everyone understands that. It's collectively paid for through direct taxation. It's just 'free' at the point of delivery, so no personalised bills, no restrictions for pre-existing conditions and rubbish like that. The point I was trying to make was that however bizarre, self-inflicted or morally dubious your medical problem is, you still get dealt with and fixed up.

Just to be clear, you can also 'go private' here if you have money. You're under no obligation to use the NHS (although, as it's paid for through taxation, you can't opt-out of paying for it). The private sector does a lot of routine stuff like hip replacements, etc. Most cosmetic stuff is done privately. However, it you've got something seriously wrong with you, then you're far better off with the NHS, not because of cost but because that's where all the true expertise resides. My ex had a huge cancer op a few years back. It was all done by the NHS and she's still alive and thriving.

I'm a big supporter of social medicine if only because it's massively cheaper than the US system which seems to me to be organised primarily for the benefit of health suppliers, insurance companies and Big Pharma, not the ordinary bloke in the street.


I'm just pointing out that contrary to your claim: "such work is done free, gratis and for nothing under the NHS." that is in fact not correct, which you have now acknowledged.

Socialized medicine sounds just wonderful, unless you happen to have an ill Son by the name of Charlie Gard.

So what we know is that it is most certainly not "free" by any stretch, and in fact doesn't cover the most needy.



Ah yes. Charlie Gard. Poor soul. Incredibly unlucky to be born with that rare genetic disorder. Treated with total and utter respect in the UK and kept alive by artificial means but destined to one of those that just aren't going to make it.

And then he has the double misfortune to have some cruel, devious, shyster American quack get on his case and offer false hope to two parents who are desperate. He makes all these bold claims as to how he's going to save this poor lad with a revolutionary new treatment, all without actually seeing him. Wow! What a doctor! Of course, Mr Shyster stipulates that they'll need money and tonnes of it for said treatment and mum and dad move Heaven and Earth to get the cash raised. But when push comes to shove, and all of this nasty, money grubbing con-man's claims are exposed in court, well maybe he's not so sure of his facts anymore and maybe he agrees the boy can't actually be saved and NEVER COULD!

Appalling behaviour! Hang your head in shame America.


So the true reason for bringing up socialized medicine out of context comes out. The false stating that it is "free", when in fact it is nothing of the sort. And it's just fantastic, unless you're truly needy..

Then blame an entire country for the acts of one man.

That about sums it up.

 

[Vern_in_IL]

What do you mean by Doctor? A specialist, General Family?


IMO, I think Veterinarians should get paid more than Physicians, since they have to know the symptoms of like 14 different species.

Seems like most Physicians are "hooked" to a Hospital. (thanks to insurance and their "networks")

 

[Mr Nice]

Silly to compare an MD to a greasy mechanic...