Becoming a doctor in Hawaii?
Asked by nate wDoes anyone know what it takes to become a doctor if you are from the mainland, but go to college and med school in hawaii? I am interested in Hawaii Pacific University Pre-Med, or UH Manoa Pre-Med, and then University of Hawaii Medical School. However, I have heard that only native hawaiians gain entry to the medical school. Is this true? Also, does anyone know how well doctors are paid in Hawaii? I mean are they the ones you see living in these huge mansions on the island now? (Any info about this would be helpful) Thank you!
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Answered by iSpeakTheTruth
No, the med school is open to all. But as it's a state funded institution, priority is given to residents with few slots to nons, so if you're a non, then you will be facing incredible competition on top of the normally highly competitive nature of med school itself. Doctors are not paid very well in Hawaii with respect to cost of living. The major insurance carrier (HMSA) is a monopoly, and so reimburses docs very little and they have high expenses, so even your family practitioner has to often work 6-7 days a week / 12 hour days just to break even. It sucks. Most docs are therefore moving away elsewhere. If you're just in it for the money, I suggest you become a dentist instead. THEY are the ones who live in places like Waialae Iki ridge (upscale neighborhood on Oahu) as it's a much better paid profession and you work normal hours so you can actually enjoy life.
No, the med school is open to all. But as it's a state funded institution, priority is given to residents with few slots to nons, so if you're a non, then you will be facing incredible competition on top of the normally highly competitive nature of med school itself. Doctors are not paid very well in Hawaii with respect to cost of living. The major insurance carrier (HMSA) is a monopoly, and so reimburses docs very little and they have high expenses, so even your family practitioner has to often work 6-7 days a week / 12 hour days just to break even. It sucks. Most docs are therefore moving away elsewhere. If you're just in it for the money, I suggest you become a dentist instead. THEY are the ones who live in places like Waialae Iki ridge (upscale neighborhood on Oahu) as it's a much better paid profession and you work normal hours so you can actually enjoy life.
