A statewide advisory panel makes final recommendations on fellowship awards. This program offers repayment of educational loans to primary care physicians and other primary care practitioners, in return for an obligation to practice in a rural underserved area of West Virginia. Loan repayment will pay for qualified government and commercial educational loans for medical or other health professions education and reasonable living expenses. Loan repayments are considered taxable income. Awards are made by the Bureau for Public Health, based on a ranking of community need and availability of health professionals.
Penalties apply for breach of contract.
This program provides matching funds to communities for recruitment and retention of primary care providers. The program is funded by state appropriation. Sponsor must provide a full continuum of care, including arrangements for after hours and acute care, and must have an open policy to provide health services without regard to a person's ability to pay. A candidate must be a U.S. citizen and must agree to meet all applicable educational, licensure, and certification requirements to practice primary care in West Virginia. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and awards are made by the Bureau for Public Health on a first come-first served basis.