Blog

By Pamela Murphy, AACOM Senior Vice President of Government Relations

You just graduated and are ready to start the next chapter of your life. You’re moving closer to your dream of giving back to your community through a career in the health professions, thanks to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Make sure you receive the loan forgiveness you deserve by avoiding these eight common mistakes when enrolled in PSLF.

By Mark Dean, OMS-III, University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, SGA President 2017-2018, COSGP Public Relations Web Representative

All I ever wanted to do was become a doctor. Now, the knowledge that my future and the future of the next generation of doctors may be jeopardized by threats to the Grad PLUS Loan Program drives me to action. To passionately advocate to save Grad PLUS should be the goal of every single medical student in the United States.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Director of Congressional and Public Affairs

Shawn Hamm, recent graduate of the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, spoke with ED to MED about his non-traditional path to medical school, his advocacy journey, and lessons learned as a capstone to his Osteopathic Health Policy Internship with AACOM.

Your financial future matters to us, and that’s why we fight every day to amplify your voice on Capitol Hill. Use this summer to prepare for your financial future and declare your independence.

By Jordan Lane, OMS-II, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

My hopes of becoming a physician and advocate for those unheard wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of federal Grad PLUS loans. I call on each legislator to remember that we are the caregivers of tomorrow.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Director of Congressional and Public Affairs

Republican leadership in the House of Representatives is considering a vote on the PROSPER Act in the weeks ahead. This bill would replace the Direct Loan Program with a new Federal ONE Loan Program, and Grad PLUS loans would be reduced and replaced, resulting in significant limitations on borrowing for health professions students. Help support Grad PLUS and spread the word by using our new #SaveGradPLUS Facebook frame!

By Mustafa M. Basree, MS, OMS-II, University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Attending medical school in Eastern Kentucky shaped my career goals of promoting the health and well-being of underserved communities. As an Iraqi-American with a short credit history and no creditworthy co-signers, my only reasonable option to finance my medical education after grants and scholarships is federal loans. This illustrates why ED to MED is such as an important vehicle for rallying support and maintaining a strong, constant voice advocating for PSLF and Grad PLUS loans.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Director of Congressional and Public Affairs

The effort to protect and preserve the federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program is gaining traction. Impassioned support from advocates across the country is amplifying the #SaveGradPLUS movement to help ensure that graduate and professional students don’t lose access to the federal loans that enable them to finance the full cost of their educatio

By Pamela Murphy, AACOM Senior Vice President of Government Relations

The diligent work of each of our advocates over the past year has been a true inspiration, and of the many advocates that helped spread the ED to MED message, one student’s notable efforts stood out. We are pleased to honor Farrah Rink, the 2018 ED to MED Outstanding Advocate of the Year!

By Sam Urick, DO, St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus Graduate

Osteopathic medical students cannot undertake the fight to Save PSLF and Grad PLUS alone. As DOs we vow to first do no harm, and that extends to financial harm. We have a duty to advocate alongside those who will follow in our footsteps. I would hate for my daughters to be dissuaded from pursuing a career in medicine because of insurmountable debt.