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SOMA

ATSU-SOMA Graduate Loan Repayment Program

The Connect the Docs graduate loanship program is made possible by a $50,000 grant from the United Health Foundation.

Information for Applicants - Funding Year 2014-2015

With a generous grant from United Health Foundation, the ATSU-SOMA Graduate Loan Repayment Program is designed to proactively address the nation’s workforce shortage. The goal is to provide an incentive for SOMA graduates to enter practice in qualified community health centers (CHC) where there is a demonstrated need for a primary care physician. The loan repayment provides financial relief complementing the graduate’s ability to serve in a CHC while reducing his or her student loan debt. The amount of the award is currently $25,000 per year for a two-year commitment for one recipient.

Requirements for applicants:

  1. Applicant must be a 2011/2012 SOMA graduate who will complete residency in 2015.
  2. Applicant must have a minimum of a two-year contract to practice in a Community Health Center (CHC) or other non-profit community center.
  3. Employment with qualifying CHC must start no later than July 1, 2015. Site must be located in a designated Health Professions Shortage Area (HPSA).
  4. Applicant must be filling a vacant position or a position about to be vacated by a current practicing physician.
  5. Applicant must agree to provide information on lenders in order for ATSU to transfer loan repayment funds directly to the applicant's lender.
  6. Applicant must agree to provide quarterly verification of ongoing employment, and quarterly recaps on experiences and lessons learned throughout the two years of the program.
  7. Preference will be given to applicants from the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Applicants from all states are encouraged to apply for this program.
  8. Preference will be given to providers in a group practice/community clinic versus solo practitioners.
  9. Applicant must agree to complete a "360° evaluation" in order to receive annual disbursement of funds.

Download the SOMA Graduate Loanship Program Application here.

**Application deadline is April 1, 2015**

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of SOMA administration and faculty. The Graduate Loan Repayment recipient will be notified by April 30, 2015.