Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program
Increasing access to primary care for underserved communities and populations is the goal of the Primary Care Section within the Primary Care and Rural Health Programs at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). To assist in this endeavor, the Primary Care Section administers the Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program designed to recruit or retain primary care physicians for underserved areas. In exchange for loan repayment assistance, the physicians commit to a minimum of two years of practice at an eligible site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Health Resource Shortage Area, accept Medicare and Medicaid, and otherwise see patients regardless of ability to pay.
For the first two-year contract, selected applicants may receive up to $25,000 annually for repayment of outstanding medical school debt. Those who remain at their practice sites and otherwise maintain eligibility may be eligible to receive up to $35,000 annually for the third and fourth years. Decisions about loan repayment contract awards are made in the spring. Contact the program at the e-mail address provided below and in the application packet for details regarding funding decisions and timelines.
Eligibility
The following primary care specialties are eligible:
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Family Practice
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General Internal Medicine
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Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
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General Pediatrics
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Adolescent Medicine
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Geriatrics
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Psychiatry (General, Child and Adolescent, Geriatric)
In addition to this loan repayment program administered by the Primary Care Section, the Bureau of Oral Health Services within the Ohio Department of Health administers the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program. To learn more about that program, visit http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/ohs/oral/safetynet/loanpgm.aspx.
Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program applicants must either be in current practice or in the final year of training at the time of application. If applicants have existing obligations to a government or other entity, the obligations must be met prior to beginning a loan repayment contract. In addition, the physicians must work full time, defined as 40 hours per week, at an approved practice site.
Practice Site Eligibility
Sites must be located in a HPSA or Health Resource Shortage Area. Services must be provided to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. In addition, sites are required to:
Free Clinics are also eligible practice sites, provided they are in a HPSA or Health Resource Shortage Area.
For more details about eligibility and program benefits, see the Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program application packet below.
Application
January 15th is the annual due date for applications. All applications must be postmarked by that date. Faxed applications will not be considered.
In addition to the application and forms in the packet available below, the following documents are also required:
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CV or resume
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Copy of Ohio Medical License
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Background and biographical statements
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Copy of waiting room/lobby sign
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Practice site’s sliding fee scale, if applicable, and corresponding policy
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A letter authorizing the lenders to release financial information to ODH
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Copies of current loan balance statements
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Position Description
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Copy of employment contract
Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program Packet
Applications should be mailed to:
Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program
Primary Care and Rural Health Programs
Ohio Department of Health
246 North High Street – 6th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: (614) 644-8496
E-mail: bchssd@odh.ohio.gov
Last Updated: 12/21/2009
Last Reviewed: 12/21/2009
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