The Urban Physician Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. This program is offered to primary care medical professionals, which include Family Practice, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Psychiatry, who plan to practice in an underserved urban community. Urban physicians must practice within a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or in a Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P). Physicians may also qualify if not in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or a Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P) if providing care to a caseload where at least 25 percent of clients/patients use state public programs or are receiving sliding fee schedule discounts. A practicing physician or those completing their final year of medical residency training are eligible to 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 an underserved urban community. Selected participants shall provide direct patient care hours/client-centered services. Participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31 following selection. Participants must complete their residency program as originally stated in their application. Participants are eligible to participate for up to four years of loan forgiveness during which they serve as a physician in an underserved urban community. 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.