Duane Said:

What Will The New Health Care Plan Do to Doctor Salaries?

We Answered:

I do not believe that any of the bills being debated put an explicit cap on doctor's salaries. The focus of health care reform is to extract savings from the profit margins of insurance companies, not health care providers themselves. That is not to say that there won't be unintended effects, but doctor salaries are not specifically targeted.

Compared with other countries with socialized medicine of some form or another, run-of-the-mill doctors are paid about the same as they are in the US: A very upper middle class salary well into the six figure range. Where the US differs is in the salaries of some specialists, who make much more than their counterparts in other countries.

One would figure that if the US adopts some sort of universal health care program, salaries for doctors will become more like those in other countries, so if you're looking to become a GP or a take a common specialty, you probably won't see much change, but you'll probably notice if you're shooting for one of the more lucrative specialties that it might not be so lucrative money-wise.

Lee Said:

What does the Healthcare Reform mean for those working in the health industry?

We Answered:

I asked this same question to those of my friend who work in healthcare - nurses, doctors and pharmacists.

Most said they welcome it. They felt it meant they could do their job without legal battles and paperwork. A few even said they'd take a small paycut in order to do this (and I mean small, not like half their wage)

One pharmacist friend was skeptical because she thought it might mean her wage will significantly decrease.

Joseph Said:

how do i get a career in health and safety?

We Answered:

In the UK. Just google Health and Safety Executive and it will come up with their website, which has a section on careers with them. Apart from the information there, I'm sure there is a telephone no. for you to make your own personal enquiry. Good luck - I believe it is a good career as HSE is involved in everything now - pay is quite good too!!