Financial Literacy and Wellbeing among Medical Students, Residents, and Attending Physicians in Lebanon: Results from A Nationwide Multi-Centered Survey

My motivation for pursuing family medicine was personal - I was struggling with finances and student loans. I knew I wouldn't become wealthy in this field, but I didn't want to be in debt for the rest of my life. Graduating with over $100,000 in student loans added to the financial stress. Starting residency with low pay while preparing to get married and start a family made me realize the financial challenges ahead, such as buying a home, car, or clinic.

Talking about money was uncomfortable at first, but discussing it with friends and colleagues made me realize I wasn't alone. I noticed a lack of data on student loans outside the US, which motivated me to start a project focusing on financial wellbeing. This project was meant to be a building block for a larger initiative.

Financial wellbeing became a significant focus for me when I participated in a wellness program during my residency. The wellness director often asked us about interventions that could improve our overall wellness, sparking my interest in addressing financial health as part of a holistic approach.