From Texas to Canada: Dr. Mariam Washington on Escaping US Healthcare Part I

💰 Is practicing medicine in the U.S. really as financially rewarding as people think? In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, host Dr. Rob Beck sits down with Dr. Mariam Washington, a physiatrist specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, to discuss her journey from the United States to Canada—and the financial and professional realities that shaped her decision. Dr. Washington shares her experience graduating medical school with $380,000 in student loan debt, which eventually grew to more than $620,000 due to interest and deferred payments during training. She explains the demanding career choices she made to eliminate that debt and the lessons she learned along the way. The conversation explores: The true financial burden facing many American physicians Why high physician salaries don't always translate into financial freedom The challenges of practicing in an insurance-driven healthcare system The decline of private practice opportunities in the United States Common misconceptions about physician compensation in both countries The realities of immigrating and obtaining medical licensure in Canada Dr. Washington also reflects on the differences between the Canadian and U.S. healthcare systems, discussing administrative burdens, physician autonomy, overhead costs, and the long-term sustainability of medical practice. Whether you're a physician considering a move, a healthcare professional interested in cross-border practice, or simply curious about how the two healthcare systems compare, this episode offers a candid and eye-opening perspective. Chapters: 00:00 Dr. Washington's career journey 05:03 My medical practice experience 06:50 Documentary inspires move to Canada 12:26 Negotiating a salary raise 13:29 Refinancing student loans after residency 17:39 Insurance challenges and unpaid time 21:45 Streamlining healthcare processes 26:12 Misconceptions about Canadian doctor pay 28:58 Networking at a Canadian conference 32:24 Hiring process in Canadian clinics 33:42 More about Dr. Mariam Washington Podcast Link https://theinterestingmd.podbean.com YouTube Link    / @interestingmd   Website Link https://www.interestingmd.com/ Have a content suggestion? Email us at [email protected] Email me at [email protected]