1. Surgeon* – $181,850 salary per year

2. Anesthesiologist* – $174,610 salary per year

3. Obstetrician/Gynocologist* – $174,600 salary per year

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon* – $169,600 salary per year

5. Internist* $156,790 salary per year

6. Prosthodontist* – $153,710 salary per year

7. Orthodontist* – $153,240 salary per year

8. Psychiatrist* – $151,380 salary per year

9. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – $140,880 salary per year

10. Engineering Manager – $140,210 salary per year

*Indicates a health career or job

While tips such as locking your personal belongings in your car or locker while at class and/or work, never walking alone and staying off your cell phone while walking so you are not distracted, may keep you safe in a personal safety situation, would you know what to do if your school or place of employment fell victim to an attack like those seen last week in Illinois or last April at Virginia Tech?

Being aware of your surroundings is key. We are generaly aware of what our surroundings should look like at any given time. Use your instincts, if something feels wrong it probably is. Make note of it and then take further action, such as reporting suspicious findings to police, hospital security or campus safety. There are almost always “red flags” that are recognized as such too late.

Know the building that you work in or attend class in. Knowing how to get to your floor or classroom and to the restroom or cafeteria is not enough. It is imperative that you know how to escape in case of emergency and you can not do that efficiently (or even at all) if you do not know your building. Make note of all exits, stair wells, and hallways so you could make a quick exit if the need arose.

Hospitals are unique in that they are a place where people can be significantly compromised in health, mental capacity and emotional stability, leading to the greater vulnerability of those who work there. Every workplace (every floor) should have an emergency plan that details procedures for dealing with security issues. The safety plan should include measures for dealing with distraught patients and/or family members, violent co-workers or other potentially volatile situations. Each plan should include a “safe room” for employees to retreat to, information on how to contact hospital security and police as well as a method for alerting other co-workers of impending danger.

Kelly points out that you can have safety, or you can have convenience, but you can never have both. Safety and security take effort and we have to be willing to do our part in keeping ourselves safe.; even if that entails a measure of inconvenience.

Sadly, attacks like those suffered at Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech are likely to continue. Knowing what you should do in a volatile situation can save your life. Be aware, use common sense and remember that safety is not necessarily convenient; it is however, essential. Learn more about safety on campus at safetyoncampus.org.

It serves all four branches of the military and Public Health Service. Uniformed students receive their usual pay and benefits. Medical students have a seven year obligation to serve after graduation. Only military nurses are accepted in the post-graduate nursing programs for Master’s degree or PhD completion. Some civilians who are employed by the federal government may be eligible for admission and receive their full salary while attending.

The university specializes in the extraordinary requirements of deployed troops. For that reason the school is year-round and the medical education contains an added 7700 hours of military needs training. Other programs are available with an emphasis on research into uniquely military clinical findings (post-traumatic stress, etc.). In 2006 a new program was initiated studying radiation biology.

For information about the opportunities, see them on-line

Want to go to the medical or graduate school of your choice? If it is in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, clinical psychology or nurse anesthesia there’s a scholarship waiting for you.

The most extensive scholarship plan is the F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program. Not only is this a free ride for tuition, but also comes with a monthly stipend, books, non-expendable equipment, and promotions. To qualify, students must have already be enrolled or received a letter of acceptance from a program in the United States or Puerto Rico, qualify for commissioned officer status in the Army Reserve, be a United States citizen, and maintain full-time student. What you owe them is full-time status and dedicated effort to get good grades, 45 days active duty for training, commission as a second lieutenant and its obligations post-graduation. Your first year of training after school is performed on active duty at an Army medical center.

To start the application procedure you will need the following:

• Letter of Acceptance to a Professional School (Four year scholarships only)
• Dean’s Letter stating that you are currently enrolled in the Medical School and are in good standing with a projected graduation date (For 2nd, 3rd & 4th year medical students).
• 3 to 6 Letters of Recommendation (You must provide your Army Counselor/Recruiter with the names, address and telephone number of these individuals). Committee Letter can count as all three (3) for 4 year scholarships only
• Copy of MCAT / DAT / VCAT / OAT / GRE results (which ever applies)
• Proof of Birth / Citizenship: Copy of Birth Certificate / Passport / Naturalization Cert.
• Official Transcripts from ALL Undergraduate and Graduate Schools attending or have attended.

A physical examination is also required. Your free physical exam will be provided.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To get started now contact your Army Health Care Recruiter

1. Personal Chef – Lots of families are on the go nowadays and nutrition is compromised. Personal chefs see to it families are fed well-balanced, properly-portioned meals. Requires 18 months or more of culinary training.

2. Nutritionist/Dietician – Like the personal chef, a nutritionist will help see that individuals and families are eating properly. Schools, hospitals, spas, rehabilitation facilities and others have nutritionists on staff. Must have a college degree with required health, math, communication and science courses completed. Will also have to have a license or other certification. Check the guidelines for your state.

3. Personal Trainer – Personal trainers help people get into shape or stay in shape by tailoring exercises regimes to each participant’s lifestyle. A personal trainer can work out of a health club or spa or pay home visits. Check your state for the requirements necessary for a license or certification.

4. Massage Therapist – Everyone loves a massage! Massage therapists can work in their own private practice or under the employ of wellness centers, spas, cruise ships, athletic organizations and more. Requires a license and/or certification.

5. Patient Educator – There are people whose jobs it is to educate patients about their options, rights, payment and health care information and more. Patient educators have degrees in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology and more. Check for local requirements.

6. Reflexologist – Reflexologists work at spas, wellness centers and private practice. Must complete a reflexology course and receive certifications.

7. Pharmacist – Pharmacists are in demand! In fact, many “fresh out of college” pharmacists earn an average of $90,000 annually for their first gig! A six year degree is required.

8. Athletic Trainer – Professional sports organizations, high schools, colleges, universities, health clubs, country clubs, spas and more employ athletic trainers. Trainers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in physical education and other health and fitness related studies, and must receive certification.

9. Physical Therapist – Physical therapists are employed by health care centers, hospitals, wellness centers, schools and more. Physical therapists must complete an accredited program.

10. Medical Scientists – Medical Scientists research diseases and ailments to help find cures. They’re employed by private laboratories, health care agencies, pharmaceutical companies and more. Four to eight years of college is required, depending on the specialty.

11. Wellness Coach – Wellness coaches are generally in private practice. Their jobs are to coach businesses or individuals on leading a healthier, happier lifestyle. Degrees in nutrition, psychology and more are helpful.

12. Wellness Director – Like the Wellness Coach, it’s the Wellness Director’s job to see that people maintain a positive lifestyle. Wellness directors are employed by rehabilitation centers, hospitals, senior citizen facilities and more.

13. Fitness Director – Schools, spas, cruise ships, athletic centers and more use fitness directors to oversee programs. A degree in physical fitness or physical therapy is beneficial.

14. Anesthesiologist – Employed by private surgeons, hospitals, clinics and more, an anesthesiologist requires 4 years of college and 4 years in med school.

15. Disability Health Advocates – The disabled often need people to look out for their best interests. Degrees depend on the specialty but it doesn’t hurt to have a health or psychology degree or a background in social work.

16. Health Inspector – Public health inspectors monitor health safety situations in restaurants, stores, schools and more. Check your state guidelines for requirements.

17. Midwife/Doulah – For those who prefer to give birth at home, or in a hospital without a traditional doctor, a midwife or doulah is who they call. To become a midwife or doulah you will have to complete your state’s requirements and receive a license or certification.

18. Substance Abuse Counselor – A substance abuse person must be compassionate and non-judgmental. A substance abuse counselor must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and two years experience as a counselor.

19. Medical Biller – Some medical billers work from home, others work at a health care agency or medical facility. It helps to have a degree in accounting.

20. Dental Assistant – Dental assistants are in demand! To become a dental assistant one must complete an accredited course.

In 1874 a physician grew wary of the treatments rendered and lack of success with most medications. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still founded a school that paralleled the teachings of medicine and added the concept of holistic health. He determined nutrition played a large part in the maintenance of well being; the body has the potential for healing itself, and the musculoskeletal system plays a role in good health. The best way, perhaps, to put the differences succinctly, is to say medicine tends to treat the individual ailments while osteopathy treats the entire being.

Perhaps the biggest difference though, is the osteopath’s use of Osteo Manipulative Treatment (OMT). It is literally using the physician’s hands to move muscle and joint by stretching, pressure, and resistance to relieve pain, increase mobility, and promote healing. The American Osteopathic Association credits this modality with relief of:

• asthma
• sinus disorder
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• migraines
• menstrual pain
• other

Although there are a considerable number of osteopaths that become board certified surgeons, more than 65% of osteopaths practice general or family medicine. Osteopathic patients are said to have reduced need for surgery (due to the benefits of OMT). It is a rapidly growing profession, given the recent surge of interest in natural remedies and holistic health.

The findings of OMT, by the way, are not to be disdained as self-promotion. The highly respected New England Journal has published results demonstrating the efficacy of OMT in several conditions.

And how does this differ from the chiropractor? The osteopath goes through four years of undergraduate, the same number of years for medical school, and three to six years in a post-graduate residency program, with a strong medical education. Chiropractors need take similar undergraduate courses in biology and the sciences, often completing a degree program, attend a four or five year program of chiropractics that specialize in spinal manipulation. They are known for their attention to ailments of the neck and spine, but address most skeletal injuries and illness that do not require surgery. Chiropractic care is similar to some forms of OMT and physical therapy.

Which is best between the three professions? From a patient perspective it depends on their needs and beliefs. Actually, the same holds true for those exploring the professions as a career. All are equally as difficult to obtain acceptance in American schools. Course curriculums are no easier in any of the three. All professions require state licensure and national certification exams. Allopathic and osteopathic physicians receive similar insurance reimbursements; chiropractics are less so. As a bit of trivia, it was not until the sixties that chiropractics were accepted as a licensed profession in all the states. Their educational requirements and training have come a long way since the days Dr. Palmer started his school in Davenport, Iowa. There are still naysayers regarding spinal manipulation as a valid treatment. However, there are critics of medicine and osteopathic as well.

Make up your mind by exploring the national associations that represent the professions. Read the negatives, as well as positives: no profession is perfect or pure. It will always be a matter of opinion.

Osteopathics

Chiropractics

There are a number of fundamentals shared by almost everyone who wants to be involved in the health industry: from EKG technician to the physician who does stereotactic radiosurgery. All such occupations involve taking care of the human body in one way or another: and this means being capable of handling the emotional as well as physical aspects of treatment.

Here are eight concrete things you can do while in high school to get ready for a college education and career in health.

1. Become well versed in English so that peers and patients can communicate with you in a common language.It will be far easier to read, write, and interpret reports if you are familiar with the terms.

2.With the growing Hispanic population, it is advisable to speak Spanish in order to learn what their needs are and to give instructions if need be. Knowing a language is far superior to having an interpreter.

3. Take biology class seriously. Learn where the organs lie, what their functions are, and the basics of what happens when organs fail. There’s a lot to be had when studying other animals too. Biology may be the single most important subject you will ever study because it lays the groundwork for advanced studies.

4. Anyone that will be handling medication or chemicals cannot avoid taking chemistry class. Yes, it can be tough: but learn the basics now and you’ll understand when your college professor discusses why a free radical can change the structure and application of a treatment modality.

5. Have a working relationship with numbers. Just about everything in health care is dependant on measurements of one kind or another, figuring out distance, dosages, BMI, ratios and times will depend on it. Become independent of calculators so you will be able to determine the data in lieu of a malfunctioning machine.

6. Volunteer you time or get a part-time job in a hospital or nursing home. Healthcare is a profession where patient contact is demanded in more than 90% of the vocations. You had better learn if you have the personality to work with the sick, elderly, children, intransigent, and families of all the aforementioned. If you intend on working in a profession that reports to others, can you take direction? Will you abide by sometimes frustrating and nonsensical institutional rules? Get to know yourself and if the perceived status of your chosen endeavor is one worth having.

7. Attend career days, often held at hospitals. Speak to individuals who are already in the field you may enter. Ask them about what they like and dislike regarding the job; and if they would do it again.

8. Go to the websites of professional societies. There you will find the issues that involve members, news about legislation and pertinent information to help make your career decision.

Below is a table published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which outlines the fields in healthcare with the biggest growth potential. We suggest you visit their site.

Financial influences in your decision should include housing costs, utility bills, urban versus rural living, and whether you want to ski or play golf. Of course you could do both in a place like New Mexico for most of the year; but the cost will be a lower wage: but living expenses will be lower.  If you live in New York City, you may only be able to afford a one-room walk-up.The training required for those choosing cardiovascular, is two to four years. Technicians and Technologist take similar courses in the first year, then go on to specialized areas. Technologists can qualify to take the national certification exam and generally earn a bachelor’s degree.That being said, it’s time to discuss the breadth of occupations within the healthcare industry.

We can start with the cardiovascular technician. These professionals are often involved with performing electro cardiograms, assist at catheterizations, manage lung capacity tests, pulmonary functions, and other tasks. Nationwide there is expected to be a 33% increase in need for trained technicians over the next 10 years.

Audiologists are employed in a variety of settings: schools, hospitals, private practice. They diagnose, prevent and treat auditory ailments of all ages: infants through geriatrics. This is not only for hearing deficits, but also balance impairments, industrial programs, rehabilitation and research. The mean salary is $57,100. Know exactly what goes on in the profession by visiting the American Academy of Audiologists website .

Dental Hygienists clean and examine teeth, educate on oral health care, make impressions from casts, charts findings, use technology, x-rays, and computers. Education is specialized and requires a four year degree. Salaries are in the area of $62,800. To learn more about the profession see the site of the American Dental Hygienist Association

Medical Sonographers receive a mean national wage of $57,200. They have diverse opportunities to specialize, and are currently in great demand. The technicians utilize sonography to visualize organs, generally eliminating the need for exploratory surgery, in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. Sonographers are usually part of the larger radiology department and are seen as playing a vital role in patient diagnosis. Training is two years in length with schools sometimes located within or associated with hospitals. For information see the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Emergency Medical Technicians have come a long way from the days when training consisted of having a first aid card and driver’s license. The mean salary of $27,100 does not include the advanced training of paramedics. EMT is required to advance to paramedic. Also of interest is the growth expected in the occupation. The mean rate is 27%; meaning there are areas of significantly higher expectations. EMTs are first responders to illness and accidents, trained to provide assistance at critical times. The job is highly stressful but great for adrenalin rushes. A downside of the job can be burn-out, depending on the town or city where located. Training takes less than one year. To learn more about educational and training opportunities, go to the NAEMT site

However, statistics from the US Medical Licensing Exam, less than 42% of Americans studying abroad pass step 1 of the test, because there are cultural issues. Few will want to discuss the realities, but it is important to know what the social climate is if venturing to any country other than Canada. This was pointed out with a recent article about a school in Sweden: but could have been almost anywhere.

Those familiar with medical research have been given one more mystery to examine as the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, the highly regarded research center and medical school, struggled with an obscurity of another character. It seems one of the applicants who met all the rigorous requirements of admission, was also a convicted felon: a murderer to be exact. The 31 year old completed his pre-medical coursework while incarcerated for shooting an anti-neo Nazi protester. They obviously lacked one standard found in most North American institutions of similar repute: high character or are their moral values determined differently than our?

The issue was resolved when the applicant was rejected based on having falsified his high school academic record (he used a false name).

Believe it or not, there was controversy until the discovery of his secondary school activities. The fact that he had been in prison for a decade carried no weight with the admissions committee; he was said to have paid his debt to society. If ten years is enough payment for taking a life in Sweden, then one can understand why they put so little value on such a man becoming a healer. However, the circumstances of the murder would seem to have been lost in the rhetoric.

This crime was not one of a lover’s rage, accidental or incidental death due to events: he shot a man who protested the neo Nazi movement. The victim was defending the rights of minorities, gays, Jews, Muslims, Gypsies, etc. to live life without some brown belt minded, intellectually challenged bigots trying to rid the planet of them!

There are schools in other countries which cater to Americans, and teach in English. You will, however, need to learn the language in order to communicate and diagnose the locals when beginning hospital clerkships and rounds. Learning about their traditions will go far in garnering respect. The stability of the country should not be taken cavalierly. These days being an American is not a pass that can protect young visitors from a crime pr being accused of one. Before making the decision to study away from the USA, seriously think about your values, those of the host country, whether your culture will be accepted or if it need be suppressed: and is that what you can live with. Know what you’re getting into before deciding on being a guest in another country for four years of your life. For more information on studying abroad, check out this site.

Older docs who practiced through the “golden age” of medicine can recall when they were an honored part of the community in a much less litigious society. They could spend their 15 minutes or longer with a patient, hear their complaints, and even discuss their families. They could prescribe treatments, medicine, and tests without getting the consent of a clerk at the insurance company. They worked long, hard hours and were paid for their efforts.

The advent of HMOs and insurance oversight has created a behemoth industry that went astray. They now control how many patients a physician must see in a day, what their remuneration will be, make demands for redundant documents, and limit their ability to practice. Warm and fuzzy is a thing of the past. It is one of the most frequent reasons cited by physicians leaving practice before reaching retirement.

There have been countless stories through the years of physicians facing disenchantment with the managed care system that has become so popular among employers and even state governments for their Medicaid population. Many docs have decided it is far better to treat an indigent patient for free rather than accept government funds and the plethora of paper accompanying it. Physicians regularly explain that they must hire another staff member just to process the mountains of requests and demands of oversight. One chart analyst hired to copy pertinent data from Medicare charts for an insurance contractor, came away in disgust; explaining a full one third of the files are filled with requests for what she deemed “busy work”. The insurance company required the physician to document all the glucose levels drawn, so that a company employee could assure the treatment was acceptable. It is anecdotal; but typical.

When it comes to younger practitioners, JAMA estimates 83.2% need finance their education with a mean debt of $80,000. That’s a number that continues to rise. While they may be less sensitive to the radical changes in the profession over the recent decade, some will practice long enough to discharge their financial obligations to work off government grants and loan forgiveness; then move into the more lucrative and growing business of medicine. Others find the practice of medicine lacks the challenge they envisioned, that it requires more business acumen than they are willing to devote, and the never ending politics of hospital life does nothing to retain their idealistic hopes when deciding to become a physician. There are far less stressful occupations with greater rewards of time, money, and status.

Though doctors are leaving the practice, not all are abandoning patients. A larger number of graduates can be found with M.D.-PhD credentials. They are frequently involved in research and are making even greater strides for the medical community. Opportunities to use their skills are expanding.

As for medical school admissions, there are now more opportunities in other fields that draw the interest of applicants. Technical fields are as prestigious as medicine once was; and business alternatives lack the heavy regulatory mandates of medicine. However, there is one thing patients may take comfort in: those who decide to practice know what they want and it is to care for others despite the inconveniences.

Read more about it here and here

Should a recession occur, health services jobs are among a few careers that will stand on solid ground.

Even though economists say the U.S. is headed toward a full-blown recession—that would be the first in 16 years—almost half of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in the health care industry. That’s good news for medical assistants, home health aides, physical therapists, physician assistants, medical record professionals and health information techs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says these jobs are more recession-proof.

All sources point to health care as the industry to be in, at least when it comes to job security these days. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics state that despite decreases in telecommunications, construction and retail trade jobs, health care employment continues to accelerate. The amount of health care industry jobs rose by 28,000 in December 2007 and by nearly 381,000 during the entire year. Of the growth, 51,000 jobs were in home health care, while 23,000 were in nursing homes—both on the lower-paying end of health care jobs.

The bureau estimates that health care will produce 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry. Jobs in health services are also expected to grow by 21.6 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Causes for Growth in Health Services

Jobs in health care will continue to accelerate for a number of reasons. The bureau reports that he number of people in older age groups with more demanding health care needs, will grow faster than the total population between 2006 and 2016.

Jobs in home health care and nursing, and residential care, should increase as life expectancies grow. As aging children are less able to care on their parents, and turn to long-term care options, the number health services jobs will also get a boost.

Medical technology advancements will also play a role. As more people survive otherwise life-threatening conditions, more therapy and after-care will be needed. At the same time, medical practices will become larger and more complex, which also drive the need for office and administrative support workers.

Could a Recession Spawn Health Care System Overhaul?

An economical slump could also threaten medical care access—but that downturn could be the catalyst for a health care system revitalization, too. Brian Biles, who served as the assistant secretary of Health and Human Services under President Clinton and is currently a George Washington University health policy professor, told CQ Politics this week that a recession could raise the prospects for a national overhaul.

“In the U.S., where health care is employment-based and when people lose jobs they lose health care, with a recession…could come the commitment to do something about it,” he added.

With the election season among us, many people are certainly ready—and motivated—to institute change.

If so, that could mean even more of a demand for occupations in the health care industry. Proving once again that jobs in fields that are necessities always prove to weather economic downturns.