The stipend is paid in twelve monthly installments. Checks are made payable and mailed directly to the fellow's training facility. Stipends are taxable income. Freed-up funds must be used to institute or expand a teaching format within the resident's training program that focuses on culturally relevant issues in psychiatry. Innovative use of freed-up funds has resulted when the resident has worked closely with his or her training director.
Some fellows arrange to extend expenditures beyond their one-year participation in the program.
These fellows are identified as trainee-consultants. There is a wide flexibility in fulfilling payback requirements. It is also acceptable to serve in a position in a public or private non-profit organization where one's work is directed toward improving alcohol, drug abuse, or mental health services to priority populations. However, such a request must be approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. An eligible resident must submit three letters of recommendation, a medical school transcript, a curriculum vitae, an essay outlining career goals, and a completed application form.