A unique solution to solve the pending medical school tuition crisis

Abstract

The increasing cost of undergraduate medical education and the decreasing availability of financial aid have resulted in the accumulation of a large debt for medical students that requires a reasonable solution. After reviewing suggested solutions to alleviate medical student debt, we have developed a unique proposal. The Strategic Alternative for Funding Education (SAFE) has the practicing physician pay for his or her medical school education after completion of residency/fellowship over a 10-year time interval when income will likely be rising. The amount paid yearly is calculated as a percent of the physician's professional income. A strategic alternative for funding education has the potential to alleviate the pending crisis in medical student debt, allows medical schools to compete for students based on the educational experience offered, and allows a student of any socioeconomic status to attend medical school and choose a medical specialty based solely on ability and desire.