Should Medical School Be Free?

There's been a bit of buzz lately over the topic of making medical school free. Check out this OP-ED piece from Dr. Peter B. Bach and Dr. Robert Kocher. They certainly make some compelling arguments.

"Making medical school free would relieve doctors of the burden of student debt and gradually shift the work force away from specialties and toward primary care. It would also attract college graduates who are discouraged from going to medical school by the costly tuition."

What are your thoughts? Could this proposed system work?

maybe free for those who agree to do primary care.

it would be sweet to get some free LWW textbooks

Originally Posted by cbrons

it would be sweet to get some free LWW textbooks

cbrons, would you have any interest in reviewing a new text book for us? In exchange for your time and review, we'll gladly let you keep the new text.

Originally Posted by lauraLWW

cbrons, would you have any interest in reviewing a new text book for us? In exchange for your time and review, we'll gladly let you keep the new text.

I would love to review a textbook.

Originally Posted by okdocrx

I would love to review a textbook.

As would I.

Me too.

Originally Posted by okdocrx

I would love to review a textbook.

If you have interest in reviewing an LWW book, simply send a private message to me (lauraLWW) with your contact information, year in school, and areas that interest you/subjects that you're studying. This way we can match you with an appropriate text. Thanks!

I wonder how many are actually discouraged from applying because of the debt they are going to be in but this sure sounds good to me as I am facing a huge bill come fall. This might be the only thing I am not excited about medical school.

in Ireland, your first degree is free. Mine was Law, so I have to pay fees for med school now but most of our medical graduates have medicine as their first degree = free medical education. Nice to graduate without loans to worry about; as a primary medical degree is done over 6 years there is lots of time for part-time work etc. for beer money

Originally Posted by doc2beIRELAND

there is lots of time for part-time work etc. for beer money

Once you get into hospital, you won't have the time or energy for a part time job!

Although it'd be nice to have free medical education, I highly doubt that this will occur in the near future (if it will happen at all) because there's too much money involved. Whoever is reaping the benefits whether that be medical schools, hospitals, government, school boards, etc. have too much revenue to lose to make medical school free all of a sudden.

For those of you that are currently reviewing a text book(s) for us, when you are ready - please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZPQ6QWV and complete a brief survey regarding EACH book you received.

We look forward to your review(s)!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by lauraLWW

If you have interest in reviewing an LWW book, simply send a private message to me (lauraLWW) with your contact information, year in school, and areas that interest you/subjects that you're studying. This way we can match you with an appropriate text. Thanks!