Over Half of Graduating Family Medicine Residents Report More Than $150,000 in Educational Debt

J Am Board Fam Med. 2016 Mar-Apr;29(2):180-1. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2016.02.150247.

Abstract

Primary care workforce shortages are thought to result not only from lower remuneration than other specialties but also from increasing amounts of debt at graduation. A census of 3083 graduating family medicine residents found that 58% reported having >$150,000 in educational debt and 26% reported having >$250,000-levels that may deter students' interest in primary care and constrain the practice location choices of those who do choose primary care.

Keywords: Career Choice; Education; Family Practice; Health Policy; Workforce.

MeSH terms

  • Career Choice
  • Family Practice / education*
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / economics*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Specialization*
  • Students, Medical / psychology
  • Students, Medical / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Workforce