The Rural Physician Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. This program is offered to primary care professions, which includes Family Practice, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and Psychiatry who plan to practice or are practicing in a designated rural area. A practicing physician or those completing their final year of medical residency training may apply. This is a competitive selection process. Selections are made based on suitability for practice as indicated by personal and professional experience and training noted on an application, as well as preference given to those closest to completing their training. Preference will be given to applicants who document diverse cultural competencies. Participants are required to practice for at least 30 hours per week, for at least 45 weeks per year, for a minimum of three years in a designated rural area. Selected participants shall provide direct patient care hours or client-centered services. For practicing physicians, participants must begin their service immediately. For final year residents, participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31 following selection. Two letters of recommendation are required, at least one needs to be completed by a professional who has directly supervised or trained the applicant. Please visit the award's website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health for more information.