An innovative program designed to attract more doctors with specialized training in geriatric medicine to South Carolina.

Program Overview

The SC Geriatric Loan Forgiveness Program was designed to attract physicians to one of two geriatric specialty practices in order to better serve the health care needs of older adults in South Carolina. It is also hoped that once a physician in the program has established a viable practice during the five year commitment period, he/she will consider continuing to practice in the field of Geriatric Medicine or Geriatric Psychiatry in South Carolina. Our brochure is available on-line (small 100Kb pdf).

Innovative Program Established by the General Assembly in 2005
The South Carolina General Assembly approved the first Geriatric Loan Forgiveness Program in the country in 2005. This effort was supported by the AARP and the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature.

Section 1. Chapter 21, Title 43, Section 43-21-200 “established within the Division of Aging the State Loan Repayment Program to reimburse student loan payments of a physician licensed or certified to practice in this State, who has completed a fellowship training program in geriatrics or geropsychiatry accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, is accepted in the program, and contracts with the division as provided” in the Law.

Physician Advisory Board (very small pdf)
The Physician Advisory Board was established by legislation to review applicants for the program and consists of members appointed to represent (a) the South Carolina Medical Association; (b) the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education; (c) the Medical University of South Carolina; (d) the School of Medicine of the University of South Carolina; and (e) a fellow in geriatrics or geropsychiatry. Advisory Board members are appointed by the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging.

Award Recipients (very small pdf)
Since the program’s inception in July 2005, a total of $385,000 ($140,000 + $140,000 + $105,000) has been awarded to 14 physicians to practice in the field of Geriatric Medicine or Geriatric Psychiatry in South Carolina.

For More Information contact John Roberts, Program Coordinator, at (803) 734-9940 or robertsj@aging.sc.gov

This Years Application Information (the deadline is February 24th, 2010)

Request for Applications Memorandum (very small pdf)
Application and Instructions (very small pdf)
Application and Instructions (download the form in Microsoft Word format)