Physician Loan Repayment Programs

GBHCW Physician Loan Repayment Programs

Updates and important dates:

FY27 Application Cycle: Updated Opening Date

Due to technical difficulties with our application portal, the FY27 Loan Repayment Application Cycle opening has been delayed. 

New Application Window: September 1, 2026 - October 12, 2026

  • We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the portal is fully functional for applicants.

    Key Details:

  • Applications must be submitted online. Mailed, faxed, and emailed applications will not be accepted.
  • The application portal link will be posted on this page starting September 1, 2026.
  • All applications must be fully submitted by 5:00 PM ET on October 12, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

About our Physician Loan Repayment Programs:

The GBHCW administers service-cancelable loan repayment programs for physicians.

The programs assist in paying any debt incurred for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the completion of the aforementioned degrees for practitioners who agree to practice full-time in an underserved, rural county in Georgia with a population of 50,000 or less.

  • Georgia Physician Education Loan Repayment Program (GPELRP)
  • Physicians for Rural Areas Assistance (PRAA)

Here are resources to determine the eligibility of a county you may be interested in servicing:

Georgia Physician Education Loan Repayment Program (GPELRP):

  • A service-cancelable loan of $150,000.  Payment made annually over a four year duration to licensed physicians
GBHCW Rural Counties Map 2020
  • Assists final year residents/ fellows and physicians in repaying outstanding medical education loan debt
  • Physicians must provide direct patient care in medically underserved, rural areas of Georgia
  • "Full-time" practice is a minimum of 40 hours per week (of which 32 hours must be direct patient contact while the remaining hours can be administrative)
  • Funding for this program is provided solely by the State of Georgia

Click here   (PDF, 121.97 KB) to view the Information Sheet and Eligible Counties Map for the Physician Education Loan Repayment Program.

 

Physicians for Rural Areas Assistance Program (PRAA):

  • A service-cancelable loan of up to $25,000 per year to licensed physicians
GBHCW Rural Counties Map 2020
  • Assists final year residents/ fellows and physicians in repaying outstanding medical education loan debt
  • Physicians must provide direct patient care in medically underserved, rural areas of Georgia
  • "Full-time" practice is a minimum of 40 hours per week (of which 32 hours must be direct patient contact while the remaining hours can be administrative)
  • Contracts are awarded for one year and applicants must reapply each year to be considered. Maximum of four years.
  • Funding for this program is provided solely by the State of Georgia

Click here   (PDF, 122.91 KB) to view the Information Sheet and Eligible Counties Map for the Physicians for Rural Areas Assistance Program.