Board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Solo private-practice hand surgeon (NJ/NY). Breaking down physician pay, Medicare, insurers & policy. Not medical advice.
Med students: starting July 2026, new borrowers can take at most $200,000 in federal loans for med school. Grad PLUS is gone. The rest comes from private lenders, with fewer protections.
My debt was $300,000. My advice is to go to the cheapest school that accepts you. Debt can really drag your career.