Over half of graduating family medicine residents report more than $150,000 in educational debt

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.