Program Purpose
To provide a state-funded stipend for resident physicians pursuing primary care specialties who are willing to practice in medically underserved communities in Texas.
Eligibility Requirements
Are resident physicians (with a minimum of one year of residency training remaining in July of each year) and fourth year medical students (who meet the same program requirements as resident physicians by June 30 of each year) are eligible to register and apply to the program if they also:
- Are graduates of a U.S. accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school and are pursuing a medical specialty in family practice, general internal medicine, general pediatric medicine or general obstetrics and gynecology;
- Are enrolled in an accredited Texas primary care residency program that holds an institution permit to practice medicine in Texas from the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners;
- Have not defaulted on any educational loans and do not have a service obligation to any entity; and
- Have not received and are not receiving assistance under any local, state, or federal educational loan repayment or incentive program.
Resident physicians who participate in the program must make a "match" with a qualifying medically underserved community. A resident physician who is awarded a stipend must enter into a contractual agreement with the Center for Rural Health Initiatives and commit to practice in the community upon completion of residency training, for a minimum of one year for each year that the physician received funding through the THSC Program.
Award Amount
The maximum amount of the stipend is $15,000 per year and stipends are awarded annually based on the amount of funding appropriated for the program.
Application Process
Contact the Office of Rural Community Affairs, ATTN: THSC Program, PO Drawer 12877, Austin TX 78711 or call 800-544-2042.
Additional Information
- Visit the Office of Rural Community Affairs web site.
- Contact Us!