Reply #12: Another perspective [View All]

[keithjx]

My bro went to med school, borrowed a ton of $ to go (actually met a girl there and married her, so they have two years of med school debt from her before she decided it wasn't for her), and practically lived on the edge of poverty through that time. When he graduated, he did his residency at Duke emergency room, and is now an ER doc in Alabama. The income he's making now is more than enough to provide for his family and make the loan payments.

I'm not saying it wasn't very difficult while he was actually in school (they also had two children), and even during residency, but as soon as he got his white coat, he was free to go where he could get the right job for his family and to pay the bills.

I agree with what's been said above about the need for compassionate and well-balanced individuals serving our country, and the logistics of * being gone (FINALLY!) by the time you get out. I don't have much to contribute on that front. I just wanted to tell you what I've seen in one instance.

Good luck in making your decision, and best of luck with med school.
KJ