Wait I'm confused.. why is IBR the best option for him? I'm not an expert, nor am I trying to be, but I am in a similar boat (grad from dental school and starting a 72 month MD/certificate integrated residency) and have been reading up on this. Point [1] Whether you defer as a resident or get IBR the sub loans will not accrue interest (either for the whole deferment period or 3 years on IBR) so this appears to be a moot point, right? Point [2] The OP didn't say he is interested in or going into a residency that will allow him to work in the PSLF programs when he gets out... so if he/she isn't or doesn't want to, say they go into private practice, what difference does IBR make? Again a moot point it appears to me. Finally, point [3] the OP's loans will remain in good standing while in deferment... they have while he/she was in medical school. Moot point???
Again I may be so incredibly wrong here that it's causing all who read it to laugh uncontrollably but if I am please inform me because like the OP I am trying to figure out what's the best for me to do as well. Thanks!