The individual to be trained must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residency.

All trainees will have an M.D. or equivalent degree and should desire a career in academic medicine.  Most will have completed a minimum of three years of post-graduate training.

Funding is available for three new trainees per year and six trainees at any one time. Funding includes a stipend, medical benefits, tuition, and miscellaneous expenses for books and the like. A "payback" is required if the full 24 months of fellowship are not completed.

Trainees are selected after application, and selection is based on overall potential for academic success.  Applicants are encouraged to determine availability of a suitable "research mentor."

Trainees in the NRSA program are subject to a payback obligation (see Payback Agreement form) during their first 12 months of NRSA funding.  Beyond the initial 12 months, additional months of training may be applied toward the payback obligation.  Thus, for the postdoctoral trainee receiving two years of NRSA funding, the second year will discharge the commitment incurred in the first year.  A signed payback agreement is required on or before July 1 of the first year of participation.  If a fellow leaves the fellowship  before the end of the 2^nd year, the payback obligation will be enforced by NIH.  Please contact Jackie Swihart if you have any questions about the payback obligation.

Deferment

Health Professional Loans (HPL) may be deferred throughout advanced professional training.  To arrange for deferment, contact your lending institution(s) for the appropriate deferment form(s).  Jackie Swihart can assist you with getting proper verification of fellowship/student status.