Financial case study: post-graduation, new doctor

Let's look at an example of a friend of mine, D.

All medical students dream of the day when they finally start "making the big bucks". This is not entirely because everyone wants to run out and buy a Mazzerati - it's more because everyone wants to finally climb out of the deep hole of debt that we willingly dig ourselves into.

So D went to a school where his tuition was low - around $7000 per year.
During medical school D tried to cut down on expenses and worked to pay off some loans in the summertime.

By the time D graduated, he had $25,000 in loans.

That's really, really great.

He paid off his loans during his first year of residency. Now he's living the life - but he's in Kamloops!

So where's the logic? What is the point in having all this money if you're not able to go and spend it where you want to - when you're away from friends, family, and everyone you know?

Given the tough job market, D had two options upon graduating:
1. Go into a fellowship (continue making residency-like salary)
2. Go work in a rural community (make big bucks, have lots of choice where you work)

So it wasn't really tough for him to decide. But I can understand where the issue comes in for a lot of other people.