Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program offers aid to new VA physicians

If you’re a new physician-in-training interested in working at VA, you may qualify for loan assistance through our Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP). Through this program, we support your commitment to helping Veterans by offering you a chance to pay down your loans while you work here.

With residencies and fellowships beginning July 1, now is the perfect time to apply.

Physicians wanted

SELRP is designed to provide financial assistance to physicians by offering partial loan repayment to recent graduates matched to (or currently enrolled in) a VA residency.

The program focuses on medical specialties that have been identified as needed within VA. Those budding physicians who have chosen to specialize in family medicine, geriatric medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, urology, emergency medicine and gastroenterology are of particular interest to us, though other specialties may be considered based on current and projected needs.

A reward for your service

SELRP provides a loan repayment offer of $40,000 each year, up to a maximum of $160,000 over four years. In return, you agree to practice at a VA facility, working in a full-time position 12 months for each $40,000 of loan repayment. The minimum commitment is 24 months under the terms of the program.

In return for your service, the $40,000-per-year repayment can be applied to any amount of principle or interest under a loan used to pay for your education. You can also apply the funds to tuition expenses, fees, books, equipment, laboratory expenses and even living expenses.

Applications now being accepted

If you are a final year medical student who has matched to a physician residency within one of the previously mentioned specialty areas, you are eligible to apply for the SELRP.

The program is also open to current residents and fellows who have more than one training year remaining.

United States citizenship is a prerequisite for the SELRP, and applicants must pass a background investigation.

In reviewing applications, preference will be given to Veterans, as well as individuals who are or will be participating in residency programs in health facilities located in rural areas; operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or the Indian Health Service; or affiliated with underserved VA health care facilities.

Work at VA

Start your career as a physician by caring for Veterans at VA and reduce your debt in the process.

• DISCOVER the benefits and requirements of SELRP.
• READ about our loan repayment and reimbursement programs.
• LEARN about the benefits of a VA career.
• BEGIN your VA journey at VACareers.va.gov.