• LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • (512)-334-6200
  • Client Login
  • Request A Quote
Physician’s Resource Services
  • Services
    • Insurance
      • Disability Insurance
      • Life Insurance
      • Business Overhead Insurance
      • Long-Term Care Insurance
    • Tax
      • Tax Preparation
      • Tax Planning
      • Business Formation
    • Financial Planning
      • Retirement Planning
      • Debt Management
      • Student Loans
      • Estate Planning
      • Succession Planning
    • Investment Management
      • Goal Planning
      • Allocation Analysis
      • Ongoing Analysis
  • Who We Help
    • GME Programs
    • Residents & Fellows
    • Practicing Physicians
  • Resources
    • Physician Wellness
    • Defining DI
    • Request A Quote
    • Patient Physician Podcast
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Partners
    • Careers
    • News & Articles
    • Contact
  • Schedule Consult
  • Menu Menu

Navigating Medical School Loan Repayment

Medical school loans represent a significant financial burden for many healthcare professionals. Understanding your loans, creating an organized inventory of your debt, and weighing different repayment strategies can facilitate the medical school loan repayment process. Furthermore, many medical professionals find they can benefit from exploring options like loan consolidation or refinancing. When combined with setting financial goals and controlling living expenses, these strategies can make the daunting task of repaying medical school loans more manageable. This guide explores the details of these approaches, providing you with a roadmap for navigating medical school loan repayment.

Understanding Medical School Loans

Understanding your medical students is essential for an effective repayment plan. Let’s dive into them in more detail.

Types and Sources of Medical School Loans

The journey to becoming a doctor starts with a significant financial commitment. Medical school loans come in different shapes and sizes, including federal loans, private student loans, and institutional loans. Federal loans, like direct unsubsidized loans and direct PLUS loans, are common among medical students because of their fixed interest rates and loan forgiveness options. On the other hand, private loans might offer lower rates but lack lenient repayment programs.

Similarly, some medical schools offer their loans, often with terms favorable to the student. It’s crucial to understand each option and choose what best suits your financial situation.

Interest Rates

Understanding loan interest is vital for any medical student. Federal loans typically have fixed interest rates, meaning the rate stays the same throughout the life of the loan. Private loans can have fixed or variable rates. Variable rates may start lower but can increase over time, impacting your overall repayment amount. Interest begins to accumulate on most student loans from the day the loan is disbursed, increasing the total amount you owe.

Grace Periods

After graduation, you don’t have to start repaying your student loans right away. Most federal student loans have a grace period of six months, which gives you time to find a job or decide on your next steps. However, it’s essential to know that interest may still accrue during this period, depending on your loan type.

Loan Term Variations

Loan terms for medical school loans vary significantly. While a typical federal loan might offer a 10-year repayment term, private loans, and loan consolidation programs can extend this up to 20 or 30 years. Longer repayment terms might lower your monthly payment but also increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Creating a Student Loan Inventory and Organizing Your Debt

The journey toward efficient medical school loan repayment begins with a crucial first step: meticulously cataloging every loan. This detailed inventory is more than just a list—it’s an essential tool for financial clarity. It should encompass the specifics of each loan, including the principal balance, the interest rate attached to it, the identity of the lender, and the current status of repayment for each loan.

This structured organization serves a dual purpose. First, it provides an unambiguous snapshot of your total outstanding debt, laying the groundwork for strategic financial planning. Second, by identifying the loans bearing the highest interest rates, this list guides you in prioritizing which loans to tackle first, enabling a more cost-effective repayment approach. This method not only streamlines your repayment strategy but also aids in alleviating the burden of debt with greater efficiency.

At PRS, we help physicians build solid financial strategies for medical school loan repayment, enabling them to take a strong step toward their financial future.

Learn More

Loan Repayment Strategies for Medical Professionals

There are multiple avenues for repaying your student loans. Let’s explore a few of them.

Standard Repayment Plan

Under the Standard Repayment Plan, borrowers pay a fixed monthly payment for up to 10 years based on their loan balance. This plan is straightforward and aims at clearing the debt quickly, thus minimizing interest costs over time.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

For those with a significant debt-to-income ratio, income-driven repayment plans can be a lifeline. These plans adjust your monthly payment based on your discretionary income and family size. After 20 to 25 years, any remaining loan balance is forgiven. However, it’s important to note that the forgiven amount might be taxable as income.

Government Programs for Medical School Loan Repayment

Several loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs are designed specifically for health professionals. These include the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and Public Service Loan Forgiveness for those working in non-profit or government sectors. Such programs often require a commitment to work in high-need areas or health disparities for a certain period.

Loan Consolidation and Refinancing: Pros and Cons

Consolidation and refinancing are two common methods for approaching repayment. Let’s take a look at some of their key differences.

The Difference Between Consolidation and Refinancing

Consolidation involves combining multiple federal loans into one for a single monthly payment, possibly extending your repayment term. Refinancing, on the other hand, is offered by private lenders and can consolidate both federal and private loans, potentially lowering your interest rate but forfeiting federal loan protections.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Consolidating

Consolidation simplifies repayment and can lower monthly payments by extending the loan term. However, it may result in paying more interest over time and loss of certain federal loan benefits.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Refinancing

Refinancing can significantly reduce the interest rate and monthly payment, saving money in the long run. However, it also means losing federal loan benefits like loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans.

Balancing Your Medical Career and Loan Repayment

Successfully managing  medical school loan repayment alongside advancing in your career involves strategic planning and informed decision-making to ensure financial stability and progress in your profession.

Setting Financial Goals After Graduation

Setting clear, achievable financial goals post-graduation is crucial. Whether it’s paying off your student loans in 10 years, saving for a down payment on a house, or starting your practice, having a financial plan will guide your spending and saving behaviors.

Controlling Living Expenses and Creating a Budget

Maintaining a budget and controlling living expenses are vital practices for new doctors. Keeping living costs low, especially in the first few years of your career, can free up more money for medical school loan repayment or savings.

Negotiating Salary and Understanding Your Employee Benefits

When starting a new job, negotiate your salary and fully understand your benefits package. Benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and even loan repayment assistance can significantly impact your financial health.

Elevate Your Financial Strategy With Physician’s Resource Services

As you embark on the path of managing your medical school debt and laying the foundations for a successful career, remember you’re not alone. Physician’s Resource Services is here to offer you tailored advice and strategic insights specifically designed for physicians. From navigating medical school loan repayment options to exploring refinancing alternatives, we ensure that you make the most informed and beneficial decisions for your financial future. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take a step toward your financial well-being with us at your side.

Share This Post

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail

More Like This

taxes accounting in office work space on dark desk background top view mockup

What to Know: Financial Planning Tips for Physicians

Financial Planning
Learn the do’s and don’ts of setting up for your future with these financial planning tips for physicians.
May 2, 2025
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/taxes-accounting-in-office-work-space-on-dark-desk-background-top-view-mockup.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2025-05-02 07:59:442025-05-27 15:27:18What to Know: Financial Planning Tips for Physicians
businessman shaking hands with doctor in modern office

How to Plan for Retirement Taxes as a Physician

Retirement Planning, Taxes
Explore withdrawal strategies, Roth-conversion benefits, estate planning techniques, and more as you prepare to manage your retirement taxes.
April 9, 2025
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/businessman-shaking-hands-with-doctor-in-modern-office.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2025-04-09 09:46:412025-05-27 15:27:19How to Plan for Retirement Taxes as a Physician
Financial professional helping client

Do You Need a Specialized CPA for Doctors?

Financial Planning, Taxes
Discover how a CPA for doctors can simplify taxes, boost savings, and streamline your financial future with expert guidance tailored to physicians.
January 14, 2025
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Financial-professional-helping-client.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2025-01-14 11:37:422025-05-27 15:27:21Do You Need a Specialized CPA for Doctors?
Your Guide to Estate Planning for Doctors

Your Guide to Estate Planning for Doctors

Retirement Planning, Uncategorized
Learn about the key elements of estate planning for doctors and how working with a professional can support your legacy.
December 19, 2024
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Your-Guide-to-Estate-Planning-for-Doctors.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2024-12-19 09:05:302025-05-27 15:27:21Your Guide to Estate Planning for Doctors
Front view of young female doctor smiling at clipboard

Understanding Wealth Management as a Doctor for Different Stages of Your Career 

Financial Planning
Wealth management for doctors varies throughout your career. Explore some of the best strategies for each stage, from residency to retirement.
December 4, 2024
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Front-view-of-young-female-doctor-smiling-at-clipboard.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2024-12-04 08:19:302025-05-27 15:27:21Understanding Wealth Management as a Doctor for Different Stages of Your Career 
Young person calculating loans

Balancing Retirement Savings and Student Loan Repayment as a New Physician

Financial Planning, Retirement Planning
Learn how to balance retirement savings and student loan repayment plans so you can maintain your financial status and plan for the future.
November 27, 2024
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Young-person-calculating-loans.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2024-11-27 15:47:122025-05-27 15:27:21Balancing Retirement Savings and Student Loan Repayment as a New Physician
Smiling male doctor talking to his patient

The Importance of Diversifying Physician Wealth Management—And How to Do It

Financial Planning
Learn about why diverse physician wealth management is essential and how you can start diversifying your portfolio.
November 22, 2024
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Smiling-male-doctor-talking-to-his-patient.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2024-11-22 13:09:572025-05-27 15:27:22The Importance of Diversifying Physician Wealth Management—And How to Do It
two people looking at retirement planning

Retirement Planning for Doctors: How to Adjust Your Plan When Transitioning from Residency to Practice

Financial Planning, Retirement Planning
Retirement planning for doctors can be challenging, especially when navigating the transition from residency to practice. Learn more today!
October 31, 2024
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/two-people-looking-at-retirement-planning.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2024-10-31 13:32:522025-05-27 15:27:22Retirement Planning for Doctors: How to Adjust Your Plan When Transitioning from Residency to Practice

Why You Should Max out Your Retirement Plan Before Year-End

Financial Planning, Retirement Planning
Explore some of the key benefits of maxing out your retirement plan as a physician. Start planning towards a more financially secure future today.
October 1, 2024
https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maxing-Out-Retirement-Plans-Before-Year-End.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2024-10-01 15:43:332025-05-27 15:27:22Why You Should Max out Your Retirement Plan Before Year-End
PreviousNext

Categories

  • Disability Insurance
  • Financial Planning
  • Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • News
  • Onboarding
  • Physician Resources
  • Retirement Planning
  • Taxes
  • Uncategorized

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

“You dedicate your life to helping patients with their physical health; Let us help you with your financial health.”

Our Services

Insurance

Tax Service

Financial Planning

Investment Management

Who We Help

Locations

AUSTIN – (512)-334-6200
6500 River Place Blvd, Bldg 7, Suite 250 Austin, TX 78730

FORT WORTH
John Peter Smith Hospital 1500 South Main St. Room 02-0181 Fort Worth, TX 76104

GALVESTON
Rebecca Sealy Building 404 St Mary’s Blvd Suite 5.408 Galveston, TX 77550

 
 
This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC is not responsible for and does not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third-party website.

Advisory services offered through PRS Investment Advisors, a Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC. Tax services and insurance products offered through Physician’s Resource Services. Advisory Services Network, LLC and Physician’s Resource Services are not affiliated.

Website by Abstrakt Marketing Group © 2022
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
Scroll to top
  • Book a Meeting

Robin Bales – AGENT

Robin has owned a Commercial Leasing Company providing financing to doctors and other operators for their equipment beginning in 2007. After the global crash of 2008, she went to work for NYL and spent 3 years there working with other entrepreneurs securing their retirement future and safeguarding their personal asset risks. Robin opened her own agency in 2017 Legacy by Design and has run a national firm coast to coast with 50-70 agents. Today the agency is much smaller serving 5 agents who share the same vision and passion for our clients focusing on health insurance, Medicare, and annuities.

Robin is most connected to ethos of PRS mission to improve the lives of doctors and their families. Supporting those who run the leading infrastructure of our country.

Robin has been married for 22 years to her husband Steven. Together they have 3 girls and have built a family with strong values and commitment to each others successes. Robin’s family are home bodies by nature and enjoy their 3 dogs hanging in living room or kitchen.

Karli Allen – HEAD OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Karli is a graduate of The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA, and has a business degree with emphases in accounting, finance, and management. Karli has been in the financial services industry since 2014 and joined the PRS team in 2018.

Karli oversees investment and financial planning operations and assists with the onboarding and service of the firm’s advisory clients.  Karli was a key part of our firm’s custodial transition to Fidelity in 2019 as part of our decision to become an independent investment advisory firm.  Before joining PRS, Karli worked in personal financial planning in Orange County, California.  She also holds a FINRA Series 65 license. Karli is grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.

Outside of work, Karli enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with her husband and their goldendoodle.

Gabriela Chavez – ANALYST

At Physicians Resource Service Gabby plays a pivotal role in Paul’s advisory team, staying in close contact with clients, driving business development, and lending a hand in daily operational tasks. Additionally, she collaborates with CPA Erin Anderson to prepare tax returns, conduct withholding reviews and undertake various tasks across the division.

Gabby is currently double-majoring in accounting and finance at the University of the Incarnate World in San Antonio, and she plans to sit for her Certified Financial Planning exam in the fall of 2022. Before transferring to UIW, she attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. Gabby was born in Germany and is Mexican American. She loves to travel and has visited 11 different countries. She has a five-year-old pug named Penny.

Chris Fullbright – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Chris brings experience in financial services and the perspective of a successful entrepreneur who has launched several businesses. With over a decade in the industry, he has served as both an advisor and in a management role coaching new advisors. Chris attended the University of Georgia and Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.

He currently holds many financial services licenses and designations including FINRA Group One, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, Series 7, ARPC, and Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC). In his free time he enjoys being involved in the local community through organizations such as Comfort Crew for Military Kids. Chris is also an active member of Austin Christian Fellowship Church, and enjoys spending time there as well as reading, fishing, and going to sporting events. He is happily married to Monique with two wonderful sons. In addition to serving physicians, Chris specializes in working with special needs families.

Kevin Burris – PARAPLANNER

Kevin received his BA and MBA from Indiana University, earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the University of Georgia, and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College. Kevin is looking forward to helping physicians live their best life. Kevin enjoys spending time on the lake with his wife, playing golf, and watching Indiana University sports.

Michael Kohles – AGENT

Michael attended Lake Michigan College and Siena Heights University, graduating magna cum lade with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a major in Finance and minor in Marketing. Michael has been in the financial services industry since 2015 and has experience with multiple insurance verticals. Michael is excited to help physicians achieve their financial goals by providing insurance solutions. Michael is married to Erin and has 4 children. Michael also enjoys reading, golfing, playing poker, learning, and traveling.

Erin Kohles – UNDERWRITING PROCESSOR

Erin supports our advisors and clients during the insurance underwriting process in multiple ways. On a given day, she helps by processing applications, tracking and following up on open cases, and answering client questions. She appreciates the part she plays in helping clients prepare for the future, and she strives to make the process as simple and efficient as possible.

Erin has been in the insurance industry for two years and brings with her six and eight years of experience in accounting and quality control, respectively. She graduated from Ball State University and has her life & health and property & casualty insurance licenses. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her two boys who play basketball, soccer, and baseball; traveling with her husband; and playing with their Yorkie, Mingo.

Erin Anderson – CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

As a certified public accountant, Erin is a valuable part of our tax division at PRS. She enjoys working with our advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies, and she strives to provide clarity for every client she serves. Erin started her career as an accountant after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2012 with a master’s degree. She earned her CPA license in 2018. Erin and her husband have two little boys, and they love spending time outdoors as a family and watching OSU football.

Alex Simmons – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Alex oversees Business Development at Physician’s Resource Services. She works with each department to assist in continually improving PRS so we remain a leading competitor in the industry. Alex graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Energy Commerce. She is a Texas native who loves to spend her free time traveling and taking her pup, Teddi, to the dog park.

Jennifer Khan- UNDERWRITING SPECIALIST

Jennifer is an Underwriting Specialist at Physician’s Resource Services, with an extensive background in customer service and administration. Jennifer grew up in Texas, graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BFA in Theatre, and spent six years in Chicago performing sketch and improv. She is a graduate of the Conservatory Program at The Second City and iO Chicago. Jennifer and her husband, Qamar, moved to Texas with their dachshund mix, Dobby, to be closer to family, sunshine, and good BBQ.

Cheryl Breeden – OFFICE MANAGER

Cheryl is the Business Manager for the firm and a licensed service assistant. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She has years of experience in the areas of process management, customer service, benefits, and insurance. Cheryl has three girls — Ashley, Hannah, & Olivia. She brings this experience to our firm where she manages the underwriting and service process. She also manages the business operations for the firm.

John C. Jackson IV – ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

John is an agent from Austin, TX, a graduate of Westlake High School and The University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration. While at UT, John was a 2-Time Captain and 4-Time All-Conference performer for the men’s lacrosse team. While away from the office, John coaches with the Westlake Youth Lacrosse program and volunteers with Austin’s Young Men’s Business League, and Austin Sunshine Camps.

Paul Smith, CFP® ChFC® MSFS – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Paul has helped his clients in financial, business, and estate planning for over 10 years. Paul is a graduate of Texas State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He has also completed the extensive studies necessary to earn the Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. Paul is actively involved in the community through his volunteer work and service on Community Action Board for the Helping Hand Home for Children. Paul is married to Heather and they have two children, Nyla and Hazel.

Richard Cunningham – MANAGING DIRECTOR

For 30 years, Richard has been helping clients reach their financial goals with sincerity and integrity. He works with GME program administrators, individual physicians and their families to help doctors achieve financial security. Richard is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He studied in Paris at the Sorbonne. Richard supports numerous charitable organizations, is actively involved in Austin Recovery, and he participates in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society as a survivor of CML. Richard is married to Adrienne with two children, Raven and Coates.