The impact of student debt on neurological practice

The median cost of attending medical school is rising annually, and with it, student debt. Neurology residents have stepped up during the pandemic to answer the call of a health system at its breaking point. In this article, we outline how this escalating problem of student debt affects the neurology pipeline, the wellbeing and career decisions of current neurology trainees and practicing neurologists and through it, and the gap in healthcare. We describe currently available options for loan repayment and call for advocacy and legislation to address this mounting burden as a means to improve neurological care in the United States. •The median cost of attending medical school and student debt are rising annually.•This affects the neurology pipeline, wellbeing and career decisions of neurology trainees.•COVID-19 has adversely affected financial security of practicing neurologists•We describe available options for loan repayment and offer suggestions to address debt.