One of the problems in health care is a simple shortage of primary care doctors willing to work in underserved or poor areas. In response to this, people like me often suggest inducements like loan forgiveness programs that might help folks rationalize choosing a post medical school career path that doesn't make them very rich. Turns out Massachusetts just tried a repayment program that knocked out about 60 percent of medical student loans for doctors willing to serve in Eastern Massachusetts' community health centers. The program more than doubled recruitment success. Imagine what full repayment could do.
