Medical Placement Services
One of the keys to providing health care access to rural and underserved areas comes
through provider recruitment. Our Medical Placement Services staff assist more than 150 communities in the
recruitment of primary care physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives.
Many of these communities are seeking multiple providers, and some sites qualify for loan repayment and other incentives.
Additionally, no placement fee is charged to the communities we assist. We offer an informative, low-pressure,
sensitive recruitment service which focuses on helping candidates and their families select a practice site compatible
with their needs; thus, increasing the likelihood of a long-term relationship.
Primary and dental care providers can receive assistance with:
Incentive Programs
The shortage of primary health care providers in North Carolina is severe, particularly in the State's rural areas. In response to this shortage, the State has pioneered innovative approaches for placing health professionals in its underserved communities. One of these approaches has been the development of practice incentives for primary care providers (family physicians, obstetricians, internist, and pediatricians), dentists and dental hygienists.
The practice incentives outlined are designed to assist health professionals who are interested in providing health care to the State's underserved communities. The information provided outlines the incentive programs available subject to availability of funds. However, at the time any contract is executed, all funds involved are escrowed.
As you know, primary care delivery systems are undergoing change. Our Office is aware that these changes will have consequences for the state's underserved areas. Our Rural Practice Incentive Programs may be modified periodically in order to assure that state funds are being utilized in the most effective manner.
Funds for loan repayment are made available through the North Carolina Office of Research, Demonstrations and Rural Health Development's administration of the State Loan Repayment Program. Our North Carolina program offers 2 to 4 year repayment schedules for medical school loans (principal plus interest). The Office also facilitates the application process for the Federal Loan Repayment Program for sites and candidates which meet eligibility criteria.
- Federal Loan Repayment * (For more information on Federal Loan Repayment programs, go to NHSC Home Page)
Principle plus interest Maximums:
- State Loan Repayment *
Principle plus interest Maximums:
$70,000 for physicians - 4 year commitment
$70,000 for general practice dentists - 4 year commitment
* In addition, these programs add a 39% tax stipend to help offset the candidate's increased tax liability.
- High Needs Service Bonus
This incentive has been designed for those with low loans or no loans. In some instances High Needs Service Bonus may be combined with loan repayments. The tax stipend does not apply to these funds.
Bonus Maximums (Assuming No Loans)
- $35,000 for physicians and dentists - 4 year commitment
Primary care providers in rural and underserved areas of North Carolina not only have the support of the Office of Research, Demonstrations and Rural Health Development, they also have the support of the country's premier statewide Area Health Education Center program, the North Carolina Primary Health Care Association, the North Carolina Academy of Family Practice, and four medical schools. Working together, these organizations provide the technical and professional support missing in many rural areas of the country. With this support, provider stability and continuity of care for our rural and underserved residents are greatly increased.
North Carolina Office of Research, Demonstrations and Rural Health Development's Medical Placement Services Staff:
Judi Ashbaugh
Wanda Greene
Tom Tucker
1-800-533-8847
