Below are some of the funding and scholarship opportunities available to North Carolina-based Family Medicine residents and practicing family physicians. You are encouraged to explore the sites and inquire with them directly if you have questions regarding their programs. If you have general questions or are aware of other resources that should be included, please contact Kathryn Atkinson at the NCAFP office.
NC Medical Society Foundation's Community Practitioner Program - The Community Practitioner Program provides financial assistance to family physicians, physician assistants, and family nurse practitioners in return for service in an underserved community in North Carolina. The Community Practitioner Program assists physicians and mid-level practitioners in all areas of the state. Eligibility requirements include practicing in a documented health professional shortage area, medically underserved area or economically distressed area.
*This program requires you to contact the NC Office of Rural Health first, please visit their information in the next listed resource.
Visit the NC Medical Society Foundation's Community Practitioner Program
North Carolina Office of Rural Health - The shortage of primary health care providers in North Carolina is severe, particularly in the State's rural areas. In response to this shortage, the State has pioneered innovative approaches for placing health professionals in its under-served communities. The ORH provides practice incentives for primary care providers who serve in underserved areas across the entire state of North Carolina. Incentives include medical loan repayment and facilitation of the application process for the Federal Loan Repayment Program.
Visit the NC Office of Rural Health's Service Incentive Programs Page
National Institute of Health Loan Repayment Programs - Research scientists develop treatments and discover cures for diseases and disorders that affect us all. More researchers are needed to meet today’s critical health needs. The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) encourage promising researchers and scientists to pursue research careers by repaying up to $35,000 of their qualified student loan debt each year.
National Institute of Health Loan Repayment Programs Webpage
National Health Service Corps - The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program provides $50,000 (or the outstanding balance of qualifying student loans if it is less than $50,000), tax free, to primary care medical, dental and mental health clinicians in exchange for two years of service at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Upon completion of the service commitment, clinicians may be eligible to apply for additional support for extended service.
*Prior to initiating an application through this resource, we recommend you first contact the NC Office of Rural Health (link above). They can provide assistance and guidance as you consider all options. Their familiarity with all programs also helps to ensure you don't miss deadlines for other possible support. At times they can even offer funding until the NHSC application window opens, helping to bridge the gap.
Visit the National Health Service Corps Webpage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a program for federal student loan borrowers who work in certain kinds of jobs. It will forgive remaining debt after 10 years of eligible employment and qualifying loan payments.