Nearly 90% of medical students graduate with median education debt of $170,000, yet less than 30% list that debt as a moderate or strong influence on which specialty they choose to pursue in residency. However, others say money issues are present even in choices that don’t appear to be — on the surface — about finances. In a recent study, students listed a “strong” or “moderate” influence from many factors:
98.3%: Personality fit
98.1%: Specialty content
78.0%: Role model influence
77.3%: Work-life balance
62.6%: Future family plans
60.0%: Fellowship training options
47.5%: Income expectations
41.1%: Competitiveness of specialty
40.4%: Length of residency
33.0%: Expectations of family
27.0%: Education debt
Source: “Physician Education Debt and the Cost to Attend Medical School, 2012 Update,” Assn. of American Medical Colleges, February (link)
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