I was born and raised in the U.S. My parents, however, are from West Africa. I plan on entering Medical School in the United States next year and I have always considered the prospect of living in Africa. I've lived in Tanzania for three years and enjoyed it. Anyway, I know the salaries in the United States are alluring, particularly for those in the medical field, but how would that compare in a country like Nigeria, or even South Africa? I am quite ambivalent about staying in the United States upon completing medical school, although I am still very young and perhaps this would change. Anyway, would the presumably lower salary be compensated for the price of goods / property values... purchasing power, I guess? Thanks for all your insights.

c1foc: I was born and raised in the U.S. My parents, however, are from West Africa. I plan on entering Medical School in the United States next year and I have always considered the prospect of living in Africa. I've lived in Tanzania for three years and enjoyed it. Anyway, I know the salaries in the United States are alluring, particularly for those in the medical field, but how would that compare in a country like Nigeria, or even South Africa? I am quite ambivalent about staying in the United States upon completing medical school, although I am still very young and perhaps this would change. Anyway, would the presumably lower salary be compensated for the price of goods / property values... purchasing power, I guess? Thanks for all your insights.

Unfortunately, the highlighted is never certain! I don't know where you live in the US, but in Nigeria, accommodation at a place that is somewhat comparable to a decent place in the US can cost almost a fortune to buy or rent. The Naira has low value and hence a diminished purchasing power. It does not compensate for anything. The only compensation you may enjoy is not necessary pecuniary. It is the fact that you will be helping your people-fellow Africans- overcome their health challenges.

Many Nigerian doctors are known to also migrate to South Africa in search for better pay, higher quality of life and, of course, better career progression. I know two people practicing there. The salaries of practicing doctors in South Africa can vary, depending on where and whom you work for. For a rough estimate, please see http://www.payscale.com/research/ZA/Hospital_Setting=Physician%27s_Office_%2F_Private_Practice/Salary. Ironically, I have also heard that South African doctors migrate from South Africa to better places in search for better life. Practicing in a country like Australia has been the dream of many South Africans, at least based on what I know and the stories I have heard from knowledgeable persons. At one period, there was a mass exodus of SA doctors to Australia, Canada etc.

I will halt here for those currently practicing as doctors in SA to carry go (carry on).

T22