The Rural Physician Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. Qualified Educational Loans include government, commercial, and foundation loans for actual costs paid for tuition, reasonable education and living expenses related to the past graduate or undergraduate education of the Physician. This program is offered to primary care professions, which includes Family Practice, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and Psychiatry who plan to practice/are practicing in a designated rural area. A prospective participant must submit an application to ORHPC during the open application cycle, as a practicing physician or while completing their final year of medical residency training. 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. The number of applicants ORHPC may select for participation varies annually and is contingent upon state funding. 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/client-centered services. Hours cannot be fulfilled meeting with providers, process improvement, policy development, supervising, or administering programs. Participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31, following selection. Participants are eligible to participate for up to four years in the program as a physician in a designated rural area. Participants must live and work in Minnesota. Please visit the award's website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care for more information.