Got variable rate student loans? If you do, you might have noticed that your interest rate has been slowly ticking up over the last couple of years. The interest rates on your loans are affected by the Federal Reserve and they have been increasing their rates since 2015 – which has meant that the amount you owe on your student loans each month is also increasing.

You just matched into residency, and you’re thrilled to take the next step in your career. For the first time in a long time, you feel like you can breathe again. Enjoy it now: Once residency starts, you won’t be slowing down again for awhile. And you won’t have much time to think about the giant elephant you’re carrying on your back: Your student loans.

Think back to the very first moment when you knew you wanted to be a doctor. When did it happen? What did you picture for your future?

In some ways, working your way through residency and fellowship feels like being stuck in limbo for years. You finally have the privilege of wearing that white coat, but you must do a balancing act between the medical students that look up to you, and the more seasoned physicians who still lose patience with you. Although you’re working like there’s no tomorrow, your income hasn’t caught up with your hours yet. The good news— you will make it through this, and you’re not alone.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness has been in the news quite a bit in the past few months. There are proposals to cap the forgiveness amount, or eliminate the program altogether. To better understand if this is the right path for you, let’s take a quick look at the eligibility requirements, and some of the pros and cons of the plan.