I see your point Traffic, but to be fair, universities do not accept more students than there are placements for doctors. If you cut the mustard in Med school, and pass off as a normal human with respect to work ethic, presentation, etc. you are guaranteed a job afterwards. The starting salary you quote is also the first year 'internship' salary which climbs to $200k within a few short years. You are not stuck on 45k as a university tutor for three years before progressing to a hospital seniority list starting at 80k for the next 5 years before finally getting the golden nugget.
Each to their own though. Im sure Cobham will fill their quota and then some with people willing to fork out a buck fifty with no guarantees.