I realize a few others have weighed in on this, but as a retired oncologist myself I can't let this go without further "piling on/ripping/strongly objecting." Nobody could object or take issue with someone using her or his talents in service to others IF she or he CHOOSES to do so out of whatever motivation they have. BUT it cannot be called giving "back."
(Ok Rant begins now)
Give back? GIVE BACK? What in the f&$% is being given back?
Time? Money?
Because doctors who devote 4 years undergrad, 4 years of medical school, (all often extremely expensive) then 3 or more years of residency (at slave wages) and then more years as fellows (also at markedly lower wages) before finally beginning their careers in their 30’s in a position which may start at low wages and long hours as they prove their worth to their new practice, and most of whom don't stay in their first position so they have to start over again in a couple of years have not given enough in time or money yet?
Give BACK?
Doctors are well compensated. Eventually.
Because they have earned it.
And continue to earn it with:
continued education, long hours, (not including being available at many more hours), high degrees of stress, large liability risks, all while providing vital services.
Give BACK?
They gave up their youth, their first 10+ years of earning, often while accumulating large debt, (ever heard of the power of time and compounding? They missed out on some of that too) and now you expect or hope they give BACK?
This attitude that whatever doctors have - money, talent, knowledge - that they "owe" something is prevalent.
It is seen in the attitude that doctors should not only not retire early, no, no. They should NEVER RETIRE! And if somehow they do retire, they should find it in their hearts to "give back."
If that is the deal, then have it clearly stated before people give up their lives to medicine. Good luck getting enough doctors when you add on that stipulation.
Surveys demonstrate many (and in some surveys most) doctors are unhappy, would not encourage their children to enter medical fields, and would retire if only they could. There are many reasons for this unhappiness to be sure, but a lot of them are related to doctors being told what they SHOULD do by other people who don't know what they are talking about.
File "giving back" under that same heading.