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ninthcongo t1_jaamfhx wrote

Reply to comment by pghgreatest in UPMC agrees to pay $8.5 million to settle whistleblower lawsuit filed by former surgeon by Newkid92

Yeah I agree it needs to stop but you’re talking about UPMC. They’re looking for what makes the company the most money and keeping a skeleton crew will do that. It’s cheaper to pay one surgeon to do 5 surgeries at once and pay the residents below minimum wage. If something goes wrong they pay out a family and move on.

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PorkyWallace t1_jaaytfq wrote

First year Residents start at $62,000+ plus benefits. Yes, they work 100 hour weeks on a regular basis but that is not every week. They are also getting world class training that will easily land them a six figure job anyplace in the country.

Now, I can't speak for all of their hospitals but I will say that, when my father was rushed to Mercy, their ER was great. When he went up to Critical Care on the top floor, all of the doctors and nurses were absolutely incredible. The doctors were intelligent, kind and generous with their time, even meeting with our entire family for over an hour on a Saturday. There were five doctors, including the head of the Neurology team.

His nurses were so kind and awesome. I asked one why they were on 12-hour shifts and she said it was because they were short handed. I asked if it was because UPMC treats them badly and she said "No, nursing is what it is. We signed up for this. We are just having a difficult time getting people to work, even with good pay & benefits." I take her at her word.

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pghgreatest t1_jab26pb wrote

If The resident does most of the procedure does the insurance company and patient get a discounted rate 😏

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PorkyWallace t1_jab8msq wrote

No.

For the same reason that Apprentice Plumbers do most of the work on your bathroom but you pay the Company's labor rate. Overhead.

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pghgreatest t1_jacxon0 wrote

Dental schools give discounts for work tho since residents are working.

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Generic_Username28 t1_jaezkll wrote

A resident starts at $62k annually at UPMC. They are protected from working more than 80 hours averaged over a 4 week period*. If a resident were to work 80 hrs per week, they make $14.90/hour. I can think of a lot of jobs I'd rather do for $15/hr.

Regarding their ability to get a 6 figure career after graduating, is that really all that impressive? I think anyone who has an undergrad degree, a 4 year graduate degree (med school) , and 3-4 years of an apprenticeship (internship), and possibly a second internship (fellowship) would expect to be reasonably well compensated. Most first year attendings have 200k in student loans and at 30-something are earning real money for the first time.

*I might have that slightly wrong, but I'm pretty close. Feel free to correct me.

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