As healthcare workers in this unprecedented time against COVID-19, we are in the front lines. Each and every day we go to work not knowing if we are going to be exposed. We don't ask prior to engaging in live saving efforts if this person is infected, instead we do what we have to do to save them, then may test if indicated afterwards. We appreciate the suspension of federal loan interest and payments until September 30, 2020, but we must ask ourselves is this enough? I feel and would think most of my colleagues would agree that complete alleviation of student loans debt for all healthcare workers would be of paramount importance. Not only would you be alleviating the stress of paying for our career that is saving thousands of lives each an every day, but you would be stimulating the economy in a HUGE way. We could utilize those dollars to spend on other things to boost jobs across the country.

I would hope you consider the sacrifice that we make each day just walking into our workplaces. Isn't it worth removing all debt to healthcare workers? I would argue that it is well worth it. There are places that your salary doesn't improve even minutely, however you have accumulated a several hundred dollar monthly bill you may or may not be able to comfortably afford. It's time we reward the Healthcare Heros around our country!

As a mother of 2 with a working husband, my decision to go back to school, further my education, and practice at the top of my field was met with a considerable amount of hesitation knowing my salary would not reflect this. I take pride in caring for my patients and would not want any other career in the world. It is a shame that striving for a very selfless, compassionate, and giving profession creates financial strain and stress as student loan payments are $600-700 per month.