For Medical Students

Debt rates stabilizing but still high, experts say

While a recent Association of American Medical Colleges analysis found the average debt for allopathic medical students as leveling off, some experts are concerned that prospective physicians face sticker shock as the cost of an education continues to rise faster than inflation.

That's according to a story by American Medical News, which examines the issue of debt loads carried by medical students and graduates and the rising costs of medical school. The average debt for allopathic medical students is about $162,000, according to the AAMC.

However, American Medical News reports that the median cost of attending a private allopathic medical school has grown at 1.8 times the rate of inflation during the last 13 years. At public schools, it has grown more than twice the rate of inflation.

Julie Fresne, the AAMC's director of student financial services, told American Medical News that there is no single one factor that is causing the rise in tuition. "Rather, it is a confluence of factors," she said.

The AMA continues to advocate for and encourage innovations to reduce debt levels. The AMA Medical Student Section (MSS), in particular, has worked to address student debt through advocacy efforts, in cooperation with the AMA. Learn more about student debt and how the AMA-MSS is addressing the issue.

Represent your colleagues as an AMA regional delegate

The AMA Medical Student Section (MSS) is looking for regional delegates and alternate delegates to represent the voice of the nation's medical students during AMA House of Delegates meetings.

AMA member medical students are invited to apply today. Applications, including endorsement signatures, are due Oct. 5. Serving as a medical student regional delegate is an excellent way to participate in the policy-making process and help shape the AMA's advocacy efforts.

The AMA-MSS will elect delegates in November during this year's AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting. If you're not an AMA member, join today.

Encourage your friends and classmates to join the AMA

AMA membership is important throughout all years of medical school—and it's never too late to join. Here's a snapshot of the benefits available to AMA members throughout medical school.

First year

• Free Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards with four-year membership
• Subscription to the Journal of the American Medical Association

Second year

• AMA member-only discounts on the First Aid for the USMLE and First Aid for the COMLEX series and the Rapid Review series
• 30 percent savings on Kaplan Qbank products

Third year

• AMA members-only access to FREIDA Online®, your go-to place to research residency programs
• Print and online versions of the AMA's Choosing a Medical Specialty Resource Guide

Fourth year

• Access to "Succeeding from Medical School to Practice" online guide
• Hertz car rental savings for traveling to interviews

Don't miss out on valuable resources for AMA members. Renew your membership or join the AMA today to begin receiving these benefits.