To answer your questions, the NHSC is very competitive. There were about 2000 applicants for 200 positions. I received the scholarship two years ago. I am happy with my decision. I have saved about $100,000 and the stipends of $1,065 are not bad. However, my wife applied this year and she was denied.
A few points to mention about applying for the scholarship. Make sure you do the application right. There are certain ways to the application that will guarantee an interview. The interview is the make or break. You need to stress why you are interested in the NHSC, that you will be training in the primary care fields, have leadership skills, and have experience working in underserved areas. In addition, you must enter the primary care fields (family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, ob/gyn) if you accept the scholarship. You can no longer do fellowships after residency in internal medicine. However, you can request dual residencies that are in the primary care fields. As far as taxes, I have not written a check to the IRS for the taxable yearly stipend of $13,000. If you have any further questions or comments, you can email me at
[email protected]. Good luck.