Nearly 90% of medical students graduate with median education debt of $170,000, yet less than 30% list that debt as a moderate or strong influence on which specialty they choose to pursue in residency. However, others say money issues are present even in choices that don't appear to be — on the surface — about finances. In a recent study, students listed a “strong” or “moderate” influence from many factors: 98.3%: Personality fit 98.1%: Specialty content 78.0%: Role model influence 77.3%: Work-life balance 62.6%: Future family plans 60.0%: Fellowship training options 47.5%: Income expectations 41.1%: Competitiveness of specialty 40.4%: Length of residency 33.0%: Expectations of family 27.0%: Education debt Source
