Family Medicine vs Psychiatry

Family Medicine

Family medicine physicians are the quintessential PSLF candidates — many work at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or nonprofit primary care practices that qualify. With a 3-year residency and lower attending salary relative to specialists, the forgiveness amount can exceed $100K, making PSLF the default recommendation.

If you're moving into private practice or a for-profit setting, refinancing during early attending years makes sense. At $300K attending, target lenders with physician-specific underwriting — your income growth trajectory supports aggressive repayment over 7–9 years.

Psychiatry

Psychiatrists have unusually strong PSLF access: community mental health centers, VA hospitals, and state psychiatric facilities all qualify, and these represent a large share of psychiatric employment. Psychiatry's National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment eligibility adds another layer of loan-reduction options.

Refinancing is most relevant for psychiatrists in private practice or group settings without PSLF access. At $340K attending, aggressive repayment is feasible — debt-free in 5–7 years with focused effort.