"This bill will help remove barriers, bringing quality doctors and dentists to patients in underserved areas across America, all while protecting medical students from accumulating massive debt.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – (WASHINGTON, DC) – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) and U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) issued the following statements on the reintroduction of the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act), H.R. 1202, which addresses the growing doctor shortage, makes medical education more affordable, and boosts health care outcomes in Southeast Texas and across the nation.
“As a dentist, I know firsthand how expensive graduate school is, as well as how burdensome hefty student loans are when you’re working to become a health care professional,” said Rep. Babin.
“By the time many medical and dental school students finish their required training, ballooning interest payments too often prevent them from further specializing in practices like radiology or serving in rural areas far from large hospitals. This bill will help remove those barriers, bringing quality doctors and dentists to patients in my district and underserved areas across America, all while protecting medical students from accumulating massive debt on the front end.”
“Students in undergraduate and graduate programs aren’t required to start paying their loans until they complete their programs. For dental and medical students, that same consideration should be extended over the course of their internship and residency requirements,” said Rep. Houlahan.
“I’m glad we are re-introducing this bipartisan legislation that will assist those pursuing a medical degree by eliminating an unfair burden. We must continue to work to make these career paths more accessible, and this is a great first step in encouraging more people to enter this lifesaving workforce.”
“By the time many medical and dental school students finish their required training, ballooning interest payments too often prevent them from further specializing in practices like radiology or serving in rural areas far from large hospitals. This bill will help remove those barriers, bringing quality doctors and dentists to patients in my district and underserved areas across America, all while protecting medical students from accumulating massive debt on the front end.”
“Students in undergraduate and graduate programs aren’t required to start paying their loans until they complete their programs. For dental and medical students, that same consideration should be extended over the course of their internship and residency requirements,” said Rep. Houlahan.
“I’m glad we are re-introducing this bipartisan legislation that will assist those pursuing a medical degree by eliminating an unfair burden. We must continue to work to make these career paths more accessible, and this is a great first step in encouraging more people to enter this lifesaving workforce.”
To read the letter of support from the following organizations, please click here.
Supporting Organizations:
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Academy of Dermatology Association
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- American Academy of Neurology
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Periodontology
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
- American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- American Association of Clinical Urologists
- American Association of Endodontists
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- American College of Prosthodontists
- American College of Rheumatology
- American College of Surgeons
- American Dental Association
- American Dental Education Association
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American Medical Association
- American Osteopathic Association
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Society for Radiation Oncology
- American Society of Anesthesiologists
- American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists
- American Student Dental Association
- American Urological Association
- College of American Pathologists
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- National Association of Spine Specialists
- Renal Physicians Association
- Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
- Society for Vascular Surgery
- Society of Interventional Radiology
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
