Debt Relief

[EqSci]

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Does anyone have sources of information on the debt relief programs that are being offered for vet students who set up practice in rural areas? I thought I read something a year or two ago about how there was an established program in place, but I can't find anything about it now other than an article or two mentioning the efforts that are underway.

I'd like to seriously consider this as an option when I graduate, but I guess I'm just not looking in the right places for information. 😕

Thanks in advance!

 

[wi girl]

From what I remember from the AVMA's presentation (and this was a few months ago, so correct me if I'm wrong someone) but there is a program, but there's no funding for it federally. Thus, that's one of the things the AVMA is working on lobbying for. This was before our economy took the MASSIVE downturn (roughly august) so I'd be interested in what's going on now. When I have more time to procrastinate (later tonight) I'll take a look around the AVMA website and see if I can find anything.

 

[david594]

deleted (Yeah, I was way off with that one. Oh well.) 🙂

 

[Starwrecker]

Wi girl is correct: there is a federal program out there, just no funding for it.

Back in September the AVMA sought letters from stakeholders regarding the program and how important it is that it be funded. After that, they specifically sought letters from veterinary students indicating why we thought it should be funded, how much we thought should be offered and for what type of service.

I haven't heard anything since then, but I am praying that something happens and the program gets funded. *sigh*

 

[tealamutt]

if you search by state of interest, you will find a few programs (ie north dakota) but as of right now the federal programs are largely food-animal, not rural practice. Sorry I don't have the info/links available right now (first holiday in months, brain not working).


I will say however, that if you plan on taking advantage of these programs, make sure that you plan on being a rural practicioner, not just for the required number of years but for life. That is the point of the program and a lot of them are losing funding because people sign up for them and as soon as the contract is over (3-5 years) they are out of there off to do 'what they really wanted to do'. As someone who desperately wants to have a rural practice, but is worried about being able to pay back loans due to the smaller income this type of practice usually yields, it really makes me angry to see people cut and run for selfish reasons on a program that is designed to help both community and veterinarian.


When brain function returns, I will post whatever info I have on here!

 

[EqSci]

Thanks guys, that must be why I couldn't find much information!! I appreciate the info.

tealamutt, I agree with you that it's not fair for those who want to be rural/food animal for life that some people just do their designated time and then run. But at the same time, I think it's very rare to find a veterinarian who is doing the same exact thing 20 or even 10 years post-graduation as they did the first year out of school. Life is just unpredictable that way. And even if the vet does 'run away' after 5 years, that is still 5 years of service to the community that desperately needs a veterinarian. So it still is beneficial.

I do completely see your point, though... people with the sole intention of getting a free handout should not do it. Don't worry, I'm not one of those. 🙂

Anyone else think perhaps the veterinary schools should be helping to fund these programs instead of all just tax money?

 

[mbv]

Even the private vet schools have some state support.... If the vet schools could do some funding, it would still be tax money 😉

 

[EqSci]

Good point.

I guess I just meant that I think vet schools should be getting involved. There is a lot of money floating around and perhaps they should designate some of that towards this program. Maybe I'm wrong and vet schools struggle financially, but I can't imagine that they don't turn a profit. Maybe a little less president bonus and a little more debt relief funding, know what I mean?

I'll freely admit I truly don't have a clue how vet schools are run in the business aspect. Just a thought.

 

[LucyLoo]

Good point.

I guess I just meant that I think vet schools should be getting involved. There is a lot of money floating around and perhaps they should designate some of that towards this program. Maybe I'm wrong and vet schools struggle financially, but I can't imagine that they don't turn a profit. Maybe a little less president bonus and a little more debt relief funding, know what I mean?

I'll freely admit I truly don't have a clue how vet schools are run in the business aspect. Just a thought.

Amen to that...CSU's president and one of the VP's just 'resigned' because they were so maligned for how they were spending the university's money.