Doctors study and train for 8-12 years (12 in my case as a neurosurgeon) to heal people, not to keep them sick as some have suggested recently in the media. It's a privelege and an honor, but no matter how much, the compensation alone never can justify the time spent and emotional weight of this journey and life. It's the intrinsic reward that is the biggest payoff. If you are considering going into medicine, make sure you remember your North Star is helping people. #neurosurgery #doctors #residency #healthcare