[PeterisP]

If you take away the need to pay back six-figure student loans and tens of thousands each year for malpractice insurance - then much more of that money stays in the doctors pocket.

Doctors in Europe live quite well, and don't have as ridiculous workhours as the numerous USA examples listed, or the suicide problem.

[rdmcfee]

Tuition at UBC med is $16,000 per year and many students qualify for up to $100,000 in bursaries. After 4 years of academics there is a paid residency. It's not a huge salary (~$50k) but enough to avoid going into debt.