Feature Rural Healthcare Practitioner Story

I relocated to Central Iowa from Cleveland to work at Associates in Kidney Care, Iowa. I primarily saw patients in the office and rounded at Mercy Medical Center and Unity Point Methodist. The diverse patient mix was intellectually stimulating without the degree of hustle that I experienced in bigger cities.

The community is very welcoming and closely knit. It is not unusual to run into someone familiar in public places. The biggest advantage of rural medicine is the satisfaction that stems from the appreciation of the community. One feels very valued which is priceless in my opinion.

My advice to someone living in a rural area is to be aware of local customs and traditions. For those seeking healthcare related jobs in a rural setting, once can be better prepared by being aware of the support system and its limitations. A less urban setting can be rewarding and intellectually stimulating without some of the disadvantages of an urban center like traffic and a higher cost of living. It can be the best of both worlds
Arjun Sekar, MD

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Feature Publication

Experiences of Safety-Net Practice Clinicians Participating in the National Health Service Corps During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Now Open!  ​
​2022 NHSC Loan Repayment Programs

Application closes on
February 3, 2022 at 7:30 PM ET

Apply and pay off your school loans!A historic $800 million in American Rescue Plan funding will allow us to award more applicants than ever before. Last year, every eligible applicant received an award.
Compare our three NHSC loan repayment programs and choose the right one for you. 

​About the programs

• The NHSC Loan Repayment Program  awards up to $50,000 in exchange for a two-year commitment to provide primary medical, dental or mental/behavioral health care at approved sites in high-need, underserved areas. 
• The NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program  provides up to $75,000 in exchange for a three-year commitment to health care professionals who provide substance use disorder  treatment services.
• Providers in rural communities may apply to the NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program, which awards up to $100,000 for three years of service. ​

Before you apply

• Read the 2022 NHSC LRP Application and Program Guidance (PDF - 713 KB). It has the information you need to apply.
• Check out our Application Checklist (PDF - 441 KB) to help you submit your application by the deadline.
• Sign up to receive email notifications about upcoming information sessions and program updates.

Get help with your application

Facebook Chat
Three LRPs, One Application Facebook Chat
Thursday, January 6, 8-9:30 p.m. ET
Q&A Sessions
NHSC LRP Q&A Session
Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
NHSC LRP Q&A Session
Friday, January 14, 2022, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET
NHSC LRP Q&A Session
Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
NHSC LRP Q&A Session
Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
Can't attend a session? Watch our NHSC LRP Webinar Recording
​

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