Doctors should be aware of these 11 worst states for doctors to practice medicine. Despite what some people may believe, the field of medicine is respectable, and not everyone can handle all the sacrifice doctors make. There are however some places or specifically some states that aren’t friendly to doctors. It could be the policies, the events, the people, maybe the environment, but whatever the case, these states just show us that there are better places for doctors to go to.
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If there is a worst state, then you can imagine that there is an opposite end of the spectrum. These places are quite in contrast compared to the 11 Best States for Doctors to Practice Medicine.
As doctors, one of the things that you might want to consider before working in a state is the taxes, costs for malpractice and costs of living. All of these amounts to one thing – how much money one has to use.
This list is ranked based on how much you can earn in these states on average per year, however, do take note that these states are included in this list because of numerous other factors and not only salary. These are places that aren’t friendly to doctors. Let’s go ahead and learn more about these worst states for doctors to practice medicine.
11. Massachusetts
Average Annual Salary: $225,000
Massachusetts is known by many as a place that has a lot of world-class medical institutions. The problem is that the situation of the state is not favorable for medical professionals. Taxes are very high and so is the cost of living. A low average salary and harsh winter weather also lessen the prospect of practicing there.
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10. New York
Average Annual Salary: $219,000
There is no doubt that New York is a wonderful place and shares a lot of attractions not seen anywhere else. It is, however, one of the most expensive states and has one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in the state greatly overshadows what one can potentially earn as a doctor. There are also government mandates that make practicing more expensive than it should be.
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9. California
Average Annual Salary: $204,000
California hosts some of the best weather and facilities in the country. However with recent changes in the medical system, doctors will find it hard to practice here. The state is one of the most populated in the country. Traffic and high costs of living will be a constant problem especially in cities like Los Angeles. Taxes are also very high and reimbursement rates have become quite low.
8. New Jersey
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
New Jersey retains a very low retention rate among its medical graduates. One of the main reasons for this is that compensation in the state isn’t good enough to pay back student loans and other costs of living. The state also hosts one of the highest costs of malpractice insurance in the country.
7. Connecticut
Average Annual Salary: $195,000
Doctors and physicians from Connecticut report highest rates of dissatisfaction. Costs of living in this state are significantly higher than the average in the country. Couple that with low job opportunities and high crime rates. You won’t be surprised why a lot of people want to move to another state.
6. Rhode Island
Average Annual Salary: $195,000
Rhode Island is known for a lot of good doctors and physicians. However, the saturation of them in the state greatly decreases the amount of money one can earn. Rhode Island is considered as one of the states with the lowest pay for doctors. The cost of living and tax isn’t helping either with the state being one of the most expensive.
There are still states to tackle as we continue this list of 11 worst states for doctors to practice medicine.
5. Oregon
Average Annual Salary: $192,000
Oregon suffers from the same problem as New Jersey with the state not providing enough compensation for doctors to pay out their loans and balance their needs. There is also very little opportunities available in the state because of the low hospital per capita ratio.
4. Maryland
Average Annual Salary: $191,000
Maryland isn’t a place that you can compare to states with many major metropolitan cities. The costs of living and competition here, however, make it difficult for doctors to start practicing here. Maryland also hosts the most violent city in America.
3. Michigan
Average Annual Salary: $185,000
As you may or may not know Detroit declared bankruptcy last year and has acquired the title of the largest municipality to enter bankruptcy. Aside from that the state suffers from corruption and almost half of the adult population is referred to by studies as illiterate. Michigan is also home to the unhealthiest county in the country.
2. New Mexico
Average Annual Salary: $170,000
You’ve probably noticed the situation of the state in some TV shows and movies. New Mexico remains the state filled with problems of crime, poverty, corruption and violence. Doctors here are expected to earn significantly lower compared to most states.
1. Maine
Average Annual Salary: $166,000
Maine has a high demand for doctors, but doctors don’t find the state quite appealing due to many factors. For one, the salary rate of Maine is lower, and the environment doctors have to face, in terms of costs and taxes, aren’t helping either.
This has been the list of 11 worst states for doctors to practice medicine. It would be best to avoid these states if you’re a doctor looking for the best opportunity.
