Is it true that if you work for the Indian Health Service or a similar place that you don't have to have completed your residency? Someone once told me that they accept some medical school graduates who have passed both Steps 1 and 2. I am not sure though if this is accurate.

Also, for the loan repayment, do they pay for all loans, including alternative loans, or only for stafford loans?
Thanks!

No place will take you if you don't have a license. You need to take Steps I - III and complete an internship in order to get a license.

I would strongly discourage any physician that is considering not having a full residency and board certification. Many insurers will only contract with board certified (residency trained) physicians.

IHS and USPHS both repay loans between 20,000 - 35,000 per year. Go to their respective Web sites to learn more.

I agree, don't cut short your medical education, I think you will regret it in the long run. It is very easy (sort of) just to continue to take the punishment and do your residency/fellowship etc... It is exceedingly difficult if not almost impossible to quit being a regular doc and go back to being a student. I just can't imagine going back now, and I have been at this attending thing for only 2 years. One has a tendency to grow accustomed to the certain advantages! ;)

hey xraydoc, you live in East Lansing?? I am a sophmore at michigan state and am interested in going into family medicine..... You think you could help me out??????