Top 10 Places to Practice Medicine for Student Loan Forgiveness
The federal government uses Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) scores (0–25) to identify areas of highest need and offers incentives for physicians to move to these areas with $30k in forgiveness for scores of 0-13 and up to $50k in forgiveness for 14+. On top of this, most of these areas qualify for a 10% medicare bonus on all professional services and provide the opportunity for a nearly full patient panel from day 1. We used our Area Opportunity Score (AOS) combined with a bit of market research to come up with a list of the top 10 zip codes where HPSA designations overlap with A-rated school districts, robust local infrastructure, and a high quality of life.
1. Moore, OK (73160)
About the area: Moore is a high-growth, modern suburb of Oklahoma City that feels entirely suburban despite its HPSA Score of 15. The area is famous for its resilient community spirit and its A-rated school system, Moore Public Schools, which consistently ranks among the top in the state for both academics and athletics. You are 15 minutes from a major metro center and an international airport, living in a premier school zone, yet qualifying for significant federal loan forgiveness.
But: The location may not be as glamorous as some on this list and it is in the middle of Tornado Alley.
2. St. Simons Island, GA (31522)
About the area: St. Simons is a barrier island that defies the typical "shortage area" stereotype with an upscale feel. With a HPSA Score of 14, St. Simons qualifies for federal relief due in part to an influx of wealthy retirees, creating a demand for care that current providers can not meet. The local schools, particularly Oglethorpe Point Elementary, are among the best in Georgia. Practicing here allows you to raise a family in a vacation-tier environment with elite public education while the government pays down your medical school debt.
But: Real estate is expensive. While your loans are being forgiven, your mortgage (and to some extent your daily cost of living) will be significantly higher than other entries on this list, potentially "eating" some of the financial gain.
3. Kalispell, MT (59901)
About the area: Kalispell is the gateway to Glacier National Park. The HPSA Score of 14 reflects a severe primary care shortage in the face of explosive growth. By practicing in the 59901 zip code, you can live in or near the Whitefish or Somers school districts, which are the highest-rated in Montana. The demand for high-access primary care or DPC models among these affluent families is unprecedented.
But: Similar to St. Simons, the cost of living is high. Schools are also smaller which may be a pro for some and con for others.
4. New Braunfels, TX (78130)
About the area: Situated in the booming corridor between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels offers a HPSA Score of 15. The New Braunfels ISD is highly regarded, maintaining a "small-town" feel with brand-new, high-tech facilities. As one of the fastest-growing cities in America, the medical infrastructure is struggling to keep up, ensuring a full patient panel from day one.
But: Growth is happening so fast that the school districts are in a constant state of rezoning. You'll need to do some due diligence on specific neighborhood boundaries to ensure you stay within your preferred school's lines.
5. Madison/Huntsville, AL (35758)
About the area: Known as "Rocket City," this area has the highest concentration of PhDs in the country, which has trickled down into a world-class school system. Madison City Schools are frequently ranked #1 in Alabama. Despite the local wealth, the area carries a Geographic HPSA Score of 12 because the population growth has vastly outpaced the recruitment of primary care "gatekeepers."
But: The local healthcare market is heavily consolidated under the Huntsville Hospital system. Breaking into established referral loops as an independent provider can be difficult, and Alabama's administrative red tape is notoriously terrible.
6. Hendersonville, NC (28791)
About the area: This mountain community offers a HPSA Score of 13 and acts as the "family-friendly" alternative to Asheville. Henderson County Schools consistently outrank their larger neighbors, offering a safe, high-achieving environment for kids. The medical market is defined by an aging population in need of consistent primary care.
But: The clinical mix is very heavy on Medicare and chronic disease management. If you are a physician who thrives on a diverse patient age range (including pediatrics), you may find the demographic skew here frustratingly narrow.
7. Westfield, IN (46074)
About the area: Westfield is a growing Indianapolis suburb. While its HPSA Score of 11 is lower than others on this list, it represents an opportunity close to a major metro area with new rooftops appearing faster than new doctors.
But: A HPSA score of 11 may only qualify you for "Tier 2" loan repayment (roughly $30k instead of $50k). You are trading a portion of your federal subsidy for proximity to a large metro area.
8. Traverse City, MI (49684)
About the area: A growing northern Michigan outdoor paradise with an HPSA Score of 10. Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) offer elite STEM and arts programs. The area attracts a wealthy retiree and remote-work demographic, but the primary care shortage is real due to the seasonal nature of the town.
But: Northern Michigan's weather is a major factor. While the summers on Lake Michigan are elite, the "Grey Winter" can be long, and the HPSA score is "on the bubble," meaning you must ensure your specific clinic site maintains its designation to keep your benefits.
9. Twin Falls, ID (83301)
About the area: Twin Falls carries a massive HPSA Score of 18, the highest on this school and lifestyle focused list. The Twin Falls School District is solid, safe, and community-oriented, offering a "B+" level education with strong honors programs. This is a great option for those looking for a mountain west location and slightly slower pace of life.
But: The academic "ceiling" is lower here than in a place like Madison or Westfield, though students still have plenty of opportunities to be successful.
10. Sheridan, WY (82801)
About the area: Wyoming is one of the best states in America to be a physician and Sheridan offers some of the best schools in the state without breaking the bank. It carries a HPSA Score of 12. The town is one of the wealthier areas in Wyoming and has a favorable payor mix. Located halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, outdoor activities are never in short supply.
But: It is geographically isolated. While the local schools and community are fantastic, you are hours away from the nearest major airport or metropolitan shopping hub, which can lead to "mountain fever" for some families.