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Studies find student debt is influencing doctors' career decisions

Overworked doctor in his office - stock photo
humonia/Getty Images

KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

​​​​By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor


PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There continues to be a shortage of primary care physicians despite numerous attempts to increase the number of caregivers. 

According to a new study, nearly two thirds of actively practicing physicians still carry debt from medical school, which could be influencing the decisions. 

The numbers are somewhat startling. 

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, some 70% of medical students leave school with educational debt and hold an average balance of $196,000.  

Another study has found that students graduating between five and 10 years ago average $100,000 in debt. 

According to the study, student loan debt has raised concerns that it's not only keeping physicians from starting or joining private practices, but it's also preventing many from working in rural and underserved communities. 

There has been a move to increase the number of loan repayment options for those to go into primary care or work in underserved communities.