The Ohio Physicians Loan Repayment Program (OPLRP) is undergoing its five-year regulatory rules review process. The goal of the OPLRP is to increase access to primary care for underserved communities and populations. In exchange for loan repayment assistance, physicians commit to practice for a minimum of two years at an eligible site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Health Resource Shortage Area, accept Medicare and Medicaid, and see patients regardless of ability to pay. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) invited the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians and other physician organizations to meet with them to provide input on proposed rule revisions prior to their submission for consideration.
Several important changes in recent years make the program more attractive to potential applicants. You can make a part-time commitment to the program. Clinical teaching can account for some of the commitment. In addition, you can sign up for the OPLRP years after completion of residency and not just immediately after completion of residency. For example, someone participating in the Choose Ohio First Patient-Centered Medical Home Scholarship Program could complete their commitment to that program and sign up for the OPLRP at the point their Choose Ohio First commitment is completed.
The next round of OPLRP applications will be accepted this coming fall. ODH will be marketing the program to applicants in conjunction with the nationally-celebrated Primary Care Week.
- Family practice
- General internal medicine
- Internal medicine/pediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- General pediatrics
- Adolescent medicine
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry (general, child and adolescent, geriatric).