Hi fellow Northeastern VBMAers,

It's that time again, so here's this quarter's post:

As of next year, the federal government will stop subsidizing the interest on Stafford student loans for graduate and professional students attending school. This means starting July 1, 2012 these loans will start accruing interest while the student is still enrolled in school, potentially increasing the already enormous debt loan on many veterinary students.

I am really interested to hear your thoughts on this recent news and the effects you think it will have on our profession in the short- and long-term. Do you think less people will be attracted to these field, especially when starting salaries and general income of veterinarians has not increased as steadily as the average veterinary student's loan debt? What can current students do to make the best out of this situation? The AVMA and SAVMA are working to restore these loans, do you think there is any chance of this happening?

As always, I have to tie this into VBMA. So how will being involved with this group benefit you (and new members) in the future since it is becoming even more expensive to study veterinary medicine in this country?

This is a REALLY great topic. We're all going to be affected by this law (some more than others) so I hope to see some great posts and feedback. Let's use this space as a way to discuss these issues and share ideas that will benefit us and future veterinary students!