Medical Student and Resident Debt Relief

The Doctors of BC believes the provincial and federal governments should raise the annual medical student loan limits to an amount adequate to cover medical school tuition, fees, text books, medical equipment, transportation, and living expenses. This amount should be revised annually to reflect changes in tuition rates and the cost of living.

The provincial and federal governments should defer principal and interest payments and provide interest-free status on government student loans for medical residents until they complete their residency training.

The provincial government, in conjunction with the Doctors of BC, should revise the current loan reduction program or offer a new interest rate reduction program for new general practitioners and specialists who commit to practising in BC.

For more information, including background, analysis and references, please see the full policy statement.