Med School Loan Cap Threatens Future Doctors, Exacerbating Projected Doctor Shortage
The “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” signed by President Trump, has sparked concern among medical students and pre-med hopefuls due to dramatic cuts to federal student loan programs. The law imposes a $200,000 lifetime cap on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for professional school and eliminates the Graduate PLUS loan program, hindering students’ ability to finance their education. The American Medical Association (AMA) has expressed worry that these changes will worsen the projected doctor shortage, as the cost of medical school already deters qualified applicants. Critics fear the bill may push students toward risky private loans or force them to abandon their medical aspirations, potentially impacting healthcare in the U.S.
John Q. Hosedrinker