STUDENT DOCS WHO BREAK WORD CHEAT SYSTEM

Seven University of Illinois students committed to working in rural areas to gain admission to medical school. Now they've backed out. They should be ashamed.

Thousands apply to the prestigious medical school every year. Only 35 graduated this spring. Eleven of them did so through the Rural Illinois Medical Student Assistance Program.

The program was established to ensure entrance to medical school for students whose test scores and grades might otherwise sink their applications. In return, the students promise to work in a rural area of the state for five years.

Seven of the 11 graduates have chosen specialties that would preclude them from working in rural areas. The program requires them to pay a $12,500 fine petty cash compared to what they'll make in a year at big hospitals.

People have to trust their doctors. These seven are starting their careers by breaking their word.