Medical student interest in loan forgiveness programs

Purpose: Student debt from medical school rises every year and there is limited research on how early financial education affects career placement. Our purpose is to investigate the prevalence, demographics and motivations of 3rd year medical students who intend to enter loan forgiveness programs (LFPs). The question we aim to answer is, what are the demographics of 3rd-year students who intend to take part in LFPs and how can it be used to create better financial education for future students? Methods: Data from a 31-item cross-sectional quality improvement and health disparities assessment was given to third year medical students completing family medicine clerkships. This survey included items regarding demographics, clerkship rotations, quality improvement, health disparities, and career plans. Data was analyzed to determine the demographics of students intending to use LFPs. Results and Conclusions: Out of a total of 195 students, 14% intended to participate in an LFP, and 39% were undecided. 44.2% of the respondents plan to be in primary care, 54% will pursue research and 39% plan to go into academic medicine. First-generation college students and those wanting a career in academic medicine were statistically relevant in terms of whether they intend to apply for LFPs. This data outlines the demographics and plans of medical students who intend to take part in LFPs and points to a large percentage of students who remain undecided. Further investigation is need on how to use this data to provide targeted financial education earlier to medical students