Is it only me...

**Singh.Simran** · 14-04-2009, 03:22 AM

..who thinks the renumerations levels of a medical career, aren't so bad at all?

While there is the whole MTAS etc fiasco(s), assuming a job, there aren't many places that pay as much at most of levels - i.e. from F1 to Consultant-grade. Presumably EWTD has reduced hours worked to get said pay, if not down to 48, by something. And the pensions scheme is still pretty much second to none.

Certainly factoring in the numbers going through and the availability of the pay (e.g. QCs get muchos denieros but there are massive culls even before practising for barristers...) it's not.. shabby..is it?

**yazoo** · 14-04-2009, 10:25 PM

I used to think like that. But then I started work as a Dr.

Dissatifaction with salary relates as much to your working conditions, and training conditions, as it does to financial remuneration.

The salary does not reflect the onerous task of being a junior or middle grade Dr (who pays for exams and courses with their salary, and spends their free time studying, while not at "work"). If you also remove the golden egg (the consultant/GP job), it becomes an unviable system in the long term - IMO.

**Singh.Simran** · 15-04-2009, 12:15 AM

What would you feel is.. right, to reflect the workload, stresses etc?

**yazoo** · 15-04-2009, 01:01 AM

I can't put a figure on it. Because it's not just about money.

But if it helps, I frequently refuse locum weekends at £500 (in a hospital I like). My time off is important and it's about the overall package, which is not always pleasant. (e.g. 7 x 13 hr nights followed by 24 hours off then days again - the banding is for that - the way in whcih you work those extra 8 -16 hours a week.) Or the fact that you are very limited as to when you can take your annual leave. Or that you worked Easter and Christmas, or....

Note - anyone who is clinically competent and not monstrous to work with can get locums at will in the current market. Most of my colleagues refuse these lovely opportunities too!

**Singh.Simran** · 15-04-2009, 01:42 AM

Ha!

Fair enough.. next question do you reckon the balance would be helped by making the curve less steep (i.e. less pay at the higher levels in return for more at the lower), or is the consultant/gp grade pay correct and merely the lower levels ought be shoved up a bit?

**yazoo** · 15-04-2009, 02:02 AM

I think consultants are reasonably paid. I think everyone would acknowledge that GPs negotiated such good funding (at practice level) that it is unsustainable.

I don't think junior Drs pay will ever be "correct". But remove the golden egg (the good job at the end) and the people who value themselves will not practice medicine in the UK.