Loan repayment programs are sponsored by national, state and local governments and some private organizations. Typically after completing a residency, physicians are recruited to practice in designated health professional shortage areas. Benefits vary, but on average participants provide service for two to four years (depending on the number of years they received support) in exchange for living stipends and repayment of educational loans. The programs listed are a sample of those available; contact the financial aid office or the medical school's family medicine department for more information.
Service-Based Loan Repayment Programs
American Academy of Family Physicians
-- This directory provides information on financial aid programs, scholarships, fellowships, grants, awards and other incentives to attract and retain health care personnel in locations defined as underserved areas.
Association of American Medical Colleges
-- The AAMC provides a directory of state loan repayment programs with service commitments. The programs listed are only a sampling of those available. See your financial aid advisor for more information.
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
-- Participants are offered loan repayment to develop research programs that reflect an understanding of the variety of issues and problems associated with disparities in health status. Eligible applicants include racial and ethnic minorities and other underrepresented individuals. There is a minimum two-year time commitment required.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program
-- Fully-trained primary care health professionals have the opportunity to repay educational loans through the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. According to NHSC, maximum repayment during the required initial two-year contract is $25,000 each year. You may be eligible to continue your loan repayment beyond two years, one year at a time to the extent you have unpaid qualifying educational loans and continue to serve at an eligible site. One-year amendments are awarded for a maximum of $35,000 per year.
NHSC Ready Responders Program
-- Upon completion of residency, family medicine physicians are eligible to apply for this program that allows you to serve and respond when national and regional emergencies occur. Loan repayment is available.
NHSC Scholarships
-- Scholarships are offered to students dedicated to a career in primary care. After residency completion, you will choose a practice site that is in a federally designated health professional shortage area and is identified as having the greatest need. The period of service is one year for each year of scholarship support, with a two-year minimum commitment.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Services Primary Care Loan Programs
-- Primary care loan programs provide long-term, low interest rate loans to full-time, financially needy students to pursue a degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine. In order to receive a Primary Care Loan you must agree to enter and complete residency training in primary care within four years after graduation and practice in primary care for the life of the loan.
Before Applying to Medical School
