[s1artibartfast]

I think that is the point. What is the "required standard" where doctors refuse more money? I don't think there is one. If doctor can live on 100k a year, they can also live on 500k a year. If you were a doctor, which job would you pick? Hospitals will always compete on salary because there aren't enough doctors to go around, and they don't want to be the one without a doctor.

Sure, some people might settle for a low-ball salary for personal reasons if they don't have debt, but I think the vast majority would follow the salary.