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
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
-- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has allowed for the National Health Service Corps to offer $50,000 to help repay loans for primary care physicians in exchange for two years of service at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Applications are now being accepted and funds are available until they are expended or September 30, 2010.
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.
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Service-based Loan Repayment Programs
