Med School - No Longer a Social Ladder?

It seems apparent that in the United States the increasing costs, debt burden, and the economic crisis has limited the number of poor and lower-income families to send their kids to medical school. This is not an isolated American problem, as pointed out in this article the British system is experience the same limitations on social mobility through medical education. However, I must point out that their average debt is approximately only $53,ooo as opposed to the U.S. which is around $140,000!

When the economy gets its feet back on the ground, we need to really push for more grants, tuition caps and other strategies to rein in the costs. We also must press the government to return the interest deferment during the first 3 years of residency.

This country used thrive off of opportunities provided with hard work, diligence, and a good professional education. If medical school becomes an educational luxury of the upper middle class and rich only, then this country will lose a large -and hard earned- reputation of having an economic ladder and opportunity for all.