IHS Scholarship

[bessybug]

Is anyone recieving the IHS Scholarship? If so is it worth it to get it?

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[futured.o.]

Hi. I am a pre-med (awaiting interviews), but I just received the undergraduate IHS scholarship and I have spoken to a few med students whom are receiving the health profession IHS scholarship. Most of them are very enthusiastic about the benefits of having the scholarship - all of their med school (including books and a monthly stipend) is paid for and they are debt free once they are done with med school. The IHS scholarship is very competitive, but if you are able to get it I would. In return for footing your entire med school education, IHS asks that you pay them back in time for every year they have covered your med school costs. I did speak to one MS1, though, that ultimately decided not to accept an IHS scholarship because she plans on becoming a general surgeon, which requires a longer residency than, say, an OB/GYN and IHS told her that they would not pay for such a long residency. Also, once you have accepted an IHS scholarship for med school, you should know that when it comes time for you to pay them back with time, they control where you do the payback. For example, the doctor I shadowed is from Chicago, but had to do her payback in Oklahoma for four years. So, hope all that helps.

 

[Laloz]

Is anyone recieving the IHS Scholarship? If so is it worth it to get it?

I assume that you are talking about the NHSC (National Health Service Corps) Scholarship... I have had it for all 4 years of school. It's a good deal if you are certain that you want to do primary care, can handle the idea that you might have to do payback time somplace that you don't necessarily like, and be debt free when you are done. I'm happy with it so far, especially the fact that my $35,200 tuition is paid for this year and I don't have any loans hanging over my head.

PM me if you want to know anything specific.

 

[djnels01]

Hey Laloz, how do you apply for a Health Service scholarship? I remember when I went to Des Moines for a campus visit the admissions counselor had mentioned that some people choose to do this program, but she never told me how one goes about applying to a program like that! It sounds like a good deal, and I am interested in primary care... I would be eternally grateful if you could give me some info. IM me if you like.

Thanks!

 

[Laloz]

Hey Laloz, how do you apply for a Health Service scholarship? I remember when I went to Des Moines for a campus visit the admissions counselor had mentioned that some people choose to do this program, but she never told me how one goes about applying to a program like that! It sounds like a good deal, and I am interested in primary care... I would be eternally grateful if you could give me some info. IM me if you like.

Thanks!

Check out Link to NHSC Website for general information. Basically you have to turn in an "application" (really more of a personality assessment) which is available in January. Out of those applications, they will invite people for interviews (generally in May/June) at certain sites around the country. From there, you will be offered or not offered a scholarship. Acceptable specialties are Peds, FP, IM, OB/GYN, or Psych. Tuition is covered, you receive a yearly check for books, insurance, etc, plus a monthly stipend (just over $1000/month). If you have any specific questions email me.

 

[djnels01]

Thanks a ton Laloz!

 

[eli108]

Do you have to be Native American or Alaskan to get the IHS Scholarship? I am interested in this scholarship because I work at an IHS clinic now and love it, but I am not Native American. Can I still apply?

Also, what other options are out there (in addition to the National Health Service Corp)? I'm sure these are in discussed in other threads, so if someone could direct me to those that would be great. Thanks!

 

[PunkmedGirl]

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