As a student, pursuing a career in medicine is a huge decision and accomplishment. From deciding where to do your undergraduate to deciding which medical schools to apply to, future physicians are constantly looking to where their career will take them. While some venues may be appealing or full of opportunities, they may not always be the ideal place to practice medicine. States may already be saturated with physicians, or may simply have languishing economies and high standards of living. To help you filter the “promise-lands” from the posers, this list has taken into account average physician salaries, costs of living, career opportunities, and what living in the state is like. Alaska: Yes, the “Last Frontier” doesn’t quite come to mind as the ideal destination, but there are many reasons that the state still draws in physicians- namely, the incentives. Although there is a high cost of living (since all goods must be shipped), the state does not employ an income tax. Furthermore, physicians have reported a staggering average compensation of $330,000 (around $150,000 more than the national average). Career opportunities are also seemingly endless, since there is no specific concentration of medicine practice in the region. Although living in subarctic temperatures may demand some acclimation, the Alaska also offers some of the most beautiful scenic views, as well as a colorful range of outdoor activities (like skiing, hunting, and sailing). Texas: This state is ideal to many physicians because it presents a rare balance in the world of medicine: an already strong medical community alongside a plethora of opportunities for fresh doctors. The size of the state itself grants it an ideal balance in the medical world, as many physicians have their choices of cities, geographies, and practices. There is no income tax in Texas, and laws recently passed have significantly reduced malpractice lawsuit payouts. The sights and history of Texas are widely known and celebrated, and metropolitan areas such as Dallas and Houston present easy accessibility to amenities. Nebraska: In recent years, the “Cornhusker State” has become a top dog in physician destinations because of its up-and-coming economy. With a strong infrastructure in medicine, Nebraska boasts several well-funded and tight-knit medical communities. As a result, there are low malpractice payouts, a great amount of physician support, and a generally healthy population. Nebraska also presents an ideal atmosphere for families, as the cost of living is cheap, the education system is in the top 15, and crime rates are relatively low. Mississippi: Mississippi seems to have been a state molded for medicine. Physicians have reported an average income of about $275,000, and the state employs malpractice payouts to a minimum. Coupled with the low taxes and extremely low average costs of living, Mississippi enables physicians to live a life there more comfortably than most other states. Home to a population of people proud in its history, there are always events and historical sites to attend on those warm, lazy Mississippi Sundays. Indiana: Indiana takes the crown of this list for its unbeatable standards of stability and coziness. Physicians report an average salary of $286,000 (around 6% above the national average) and a cost of living nearly around 11% lower than the national average. There are abundant opportunities for doctors looking to get their careers started in well organized, concentrated communities. Family life is eventful, as there are always popular events and sites live with culture, as well as a well-revised education system. Source
