Will Changes to the Student Loan System Worsen Physician Shortages?

MYOS1634
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:54:07 +0000

WayOutWestMom:

Supporters of the bill say the changes could lower tuition costs and limit taxpayer exposure.

What world do these supporters live in, who think medical education costs can be lowered? Are they confusing med school with undergraduate colleges that built lazy rivers? Or are they thinking, let’s go back to the medical education from 50 years ago?

I don’t get “taxpayer exposure”, too. You already can’t declare bankruptcy because of student loans…

PSLF is necessary for young physicians to take up positions in rural areas, in medical deserts, in low-paying fields that are nevertheless necessary.

My solution is that each state should have a public med school that is tuition-free for those residents who sign up for years commensurate with length of education in underserved areas of the state. No PSLF needed. Funded by the money saved from having to contract with loan providers and head hunters for medical deserts, etc. Family/Rural medicine programs similar to this already exist BTW so it wouldn’t be revolutionary . Texas also does an excellent job with med school costs for its residents.