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After 4 years of private college, 4 years of medical school, and 5 years of residency, I accrued about $150k in debt. Now in a thriving practice, I still have this debt looming over my head. However, when I talk to high school students about going to private schools versus state schools, or going to graduate school after college, I always tell them to pick the best school for them academically and go where their curiosity takes them. "The money will come, and you will pay back the debt," I always say. I never tell them that even as a successful physician I still am working hard to pay back these debts. Every penny of debt was worth it for the memories and education that I received, but it is hard to understand that when all you can see are the tuition bills.

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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I graduated from Reed College 10 years ago and now work as a surgeon. During my time at Reed, I knew many people who experimented with drugs and alcohol, and there were some who developed addictions, some who went to rehab and some who overdosed. I take serious issue with the opinion that the academic rigors of the institution causes students to ignore their physical health and hygeine and encourages the use of stimulants and other drugs to improve their academic performance. College students are adults. They must decide to care for themselves and their health. If they choose not to do that, it is not the fault of the institution. I thank Reed for the rigorous education that I received, because it prepared me for the real rigors of med school, residency and now a surgical practice. People use drugs and alcohol in all levels of society. This is not a problem of the elite. The tragic death of this Reed student happens every day. It is a sad societal reality.

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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