Correct-o-Mundo!  Before the big HMO revolution, physicians did ride the gravy train, but that reform, as well as Medicare limitations and the incredible cost of malpractice insurance and required updates to electronic medical records have really lowered their previous standard.  There was a point I was making $25 more per hour providing transcription than a contract clinic doc -- I saw the actual records.  Money used to be a huge incentive for entry into the profession, but no more, unless you spend 15 years getting qualified as Fellow in multi-specialties.