Monday, February 16, 2015

City Living Around the Globe

     Paris, the city of love and all things, je n'ai said quoi, perfect. The neo-gothic architecture catches everyone's eye as they trot down cobble stone pathways that have been there for centuries. Every corner is marked with a cafe or patisserie, which makes the Parisian lifestyle even more enticing. However, this envious lifestyle is only available for those who can afford it. Paris has a very hefty price tag attached to its residential areas. A single bedroom apartment in the heart of Paris can cost as much as a four bedroom home here in San Diego.
     London is no exception either. From the beginning of history, London has always been famous for it's bustling city life. It is home to landmarks that represent defining moments in history, and is now a highly metropolitan sought after city. So what do you pay to live in the same city as Price William and his royal gang? One answer suffices: too much. But for those who can afford the city, it is magical, almost like a dream, except for the bitter weather of course. However, the rest of Europe is at you finger tips so a warm trip to Italy wouldn't hurt.
    New York is home to some of the most desirable flats and town homes  in the States. Alicia keys and hundreds of other singers have belted out their love for the city. However, is the cost of living praise worthy? Shows such as Selling New York depict homeowners buying and selling their Manhattan penthouses for millions of dollars.
     I actually have no point to this post. I just wanted to revel in three of the most beautiful, expensive, and luxurious cities in the world.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Is Becoming a Doctor Worth It?

     The title alone makes medical school worth the money, stress, sleep deprivation, and pressure. Oh how aspiring premedical school students long to hear the ring of "Doctor" placed before their name. They practice their humanitarian speeches as they are draped at while coat ceremonies. The most rewarding aspect of medical school is the salaries.
     Let us being with a general physician. This is the doctor that is seen giving physicals. She/he treats everything from the flu to infections. Usually, a general physician spends most of their time informing the patient on how to take better care of themselves. They try to depress nasty habits like overeating, smoking, and other health issues. They also try to promote healthy habits like sleeping, eating well, and exercise. According to Salary.com, A general physician makes an average of $185,000 annually. It is quite the sum for someone who deals with the basics of medicine. It provokes the idea of someone who is more specialized; for example, a neurosurgeon.
     A neurosurgeon, in short, is a physician who corrects neurological problems through surgery. This highly specialized job details back surgeries, excision of tumors, and trauma-related brain damage. There are generally two components to this job. The first one is surgery, in which the doctors come to work and preform incredible procedures. The other component is consultation. Throughout the course of the week, the doctor would visit post-surgical patients and their families and discuss treatment plans. Or she/he may visit incoming patients that are in need of surgery. For this highly specialized job, the average starting salary is $395,00. However, after a few years, this salary often jumps to the $600,000 range.
     Yes, there are perks to becoming a doctor. However, there are also some cons to the job. Because patients entrust their lives in these people, if anything goes wrong, the blame often falls on the doctor. This could lead to many lawsuits and even the revocation of the physician's license.
     Also, one must not neglect the grueling years that students spend in medical school. The time ranges the more specialized the practice becomes. For example, a general physician goes to school for four years to obtain a bachelors degree, then they must complete another four years of medical school, which is then followed by at least three years of residency. A neurosurgeon also goes to school for eight years which is then followed with three to eight years of internships and residency. So, all in all, as aspiring physicians consider going into the medical field, the premier question to ask is, "Does the good outweigh the bad?".