Medical School Tuition
Who/what: Medical school tuition rose in both private and public medical schools by 345% and 528%, respectively (AMSA). This rise is out of step with inflation, causing younger generations to pay more for their medical education without receiving the same compensation in return. Base tuition now hovers around $14,577 for a public medical school and $30,960 for a private medical school (AMSA). Medical school lasts for four years and the loans taken out begin to accrue interest the moment that school is done.
When: This issue has just begun to become a problem in recent decades. It began in the mid-90s and reached record highs in the most recent years (AMSA). This protest will be current because each year sees a tuition hike for almost all medical schools across the country.
Where: This will take place in the United States. Medical school cost issues are specific to the United States because other countries have significantly lower tuition (this is mainly seen in Europe with the implementation of universal healthcare).
Why: This high cost has consequences for the future of healthcare. Mainly, the problems include the attraction of mostly high socioeconomic status applicants (and eventual matriculants) and the type of specialty picked is often picked due to its high salary (this is to pay off the massive debt accrued in school) (Conroy). Thus, we are stuck with doctors who are out of touch with working families and we are left with a shortage of internal medicine and family practice doctors (because these doctors make the least).
Works Cited:
Conroy, Joanne. "It's Time for Innovation in How We Pay for Medical School." Scope. Stanford University, 1 July 2014. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.
"Medical Tuition Frequently Asked Questions." American Medical Student Association. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.
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