You’re transitioning from training to practice, navigating job offers, compensation packages and relocation—all while managing student loans, personal relationships and the pressure to make “the right” next move.

Somewhere in the middle of it all, you’re told to prioritize “wellness” or “quality of life” and the importance of practicing wellness for physicians. Easier said than done, right?

Let’s talk about what that actually looks like—and how your financial decisions and career choices can shape your overall wellness as you begin life after training.

Student loans: like a mortgage on a beach house (that you don’t get to visit)

A physician once compared their student loan payment to the cost of a mortgage on a beach house—except there’s no beach and no house. Just a hefty monthly bill.

Most physicians start out with loan balances between $250,000 and $350,000. While programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the IDR repayment plans offer real benefits, they’re not built to work the same for everyone.

You can have two people in the same program, with the same graduation year, who might need completely different strategies. One might have undergrad loans another didn’t. One may have made qualifying payments; another might’ve spent years in forbearance during COVID or due to the recent SAVE-related pause. All these factors affect your best loan repayment path.

Trying to DIY your plan based on advice from a roommate, Reddit or ChatGPT can cost you—in both time and money. A personalized student loan strategy doesn’t just reduce financial stress; it can give you back some mental space during an already demanding stage of your career.

Choose a job that feels right—not just the one with loan incentives

When you’re job hunting, it can be tempting to chase large signing bonuses or student loan repayment offers. And sure, those are nice to have, but they shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

Most early-career physicians with “average” student loan balances can do just fine with or without incentives—if they’re on the right repayment plan.

So what should guide your decision? Think about where you’ll feel supported. Where you can grow. Where your partner’s job prospects are strong or where the community feels like home. Those things impact your long-term well-being way more than a one-time bonus.

Of course, if your student loans are significantly higher—think $400,000 or more—then a PSLF-eligible employer might be worth prioritizing in the short term. But even then, the goal is to lead with a smart plan, not fear or pressure.

Practicing wellness for physicians is a long game

Most residents finish med school around age 26 and complete training by 30. Those years often involve major life changes: starting families, making moves, buying homes, building relationships.

That’s why it’s so important to carve out clarity where you can from the very beginning. Your financial wellness as an attending physician directly affects your emotional bandwidth and long-term peace of mind.

Getting intentional now—about both your finances and your career—sets the stage for a better experience in the years that follow.

Practicing wellness for physicians summation

You don’t have to figure all this out alone. The right guidance—whether it’s with loan strategy or job decisions—can take a lot off your plate. Many physicians have found peace of mind and real savings by working with organizations that specialize in student loan planning. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be worth connecting with someone who can help you sort through the options. •