Here are the top three concerns medical residents will face this year, according to a recent post from AMA President Robert Wah, MD.
1. Medical school debt. Medical school class of 2014 graduates shoulder an average $176,000 in debt and nearly 40 percent plan to partake in a loan forgiveness or repayment program, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. As it takes most residents at least 10 years to pay off their education, managing debt will be one of the biggest issues for residents in 2015, according to Dr. Wah.
2. Choosing a practice environment. It's not just about geography anymore. There is a full spectrum of health delivery systems to choose from and residents should take the time to research these different options and choose carefully, Dr. Wah says.
3. Maintaining personal wellness. During their residencies, physicians are constantly working and learning clinical skills to treat their patients with the best possible care. However, it is critical for residents to maintain their own physical, mental and emotional health.
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