Heard on an intercom in a hospital one day will be, "Calling Dr. Pope."

During seven NBA seasons, what Mark Pope heard on an intercom was, "Calling No. 492, your sandwich is ready."

NBA players receive $106 per diem. The amount was in the $80s and $90s when Pope played from 1997-98 to 1999 and 2000-01 to 2004-05, spending his final two seasons with the Nuggets.

He pocketed as much as he could.

It has come in handy. Pope said per diem he saved is helping pay his way at Columbia Medical School, where he is in his first year and costs are $40,000 annually.

"When I played, I knew where every Subway was in every city," Pope said.

Pope, who received $99 per diem during his final season (2004-05), said many days he spent about $20, which got him two large subs and a beverage.

He became adept at saving his appetite for free food after games in the locker room, on the team plane and when it was available for breakfast at the hotel.

"There's food everywhere in the NBA, and they still give you a per diem," Pope said.

Pope, whose top salary was $870,046 during his final season, saved as much of it as he could.

He recalls his rookie season of 1997-98, when he made $242,000 with the Indiana Pacers.

"I paid my rent with my per diem," Pope said. "It was a little studio apartment in Indianapolis. I never really touched my per diem."