Residency Incentive Program

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The Residency Incentive Program provides financial support to physicians who commit to practicing in rural and underserved communities across Tennessee. The program offers $105,000 for residents in a 3-year program and $140,000 for those in a 4-year program, in exchange for a service commitment of equal length in an approved community.


Residents are responsible for securing their own practice location, which must meet TCWD criteria and receive approval prior to participation. Please review the TCWD map and minimum site criteria for additional guidance. Site approval is at the sole discretion of TCWD, and approval is not guaranteed. Funds may be used at the recipient’s discretion, allowing flexibility to support student loans, living expenses, or other professional needs. The program is competitive, and the number of incentives awarded each year varies based on available funding and the applicant pool. Through this program, TCWD supports physicians as they transition into practice while strengthening access to care in areas of greatest need.


Since 2014, 289 primary care residents have been awarded the TCWD Resident Incentive totaling over $30,552,500.00 to serve in rural or underserved communities.


This project is funded by the State of Tennessee.


View Eligibility

Amount

$35,000 per year

Up to $140,000 total

Service Commitment

Recipients must enter into a formal agreement outlining a year-for-year service commitment in an approved rural or underserved community in Tennessee. Failure to meet the terms of the agreement may result in repayment obligations.

Payment Structure

Quarterly payments throughout participation.

Flexibility

Funds may be used for student loans, living expenses, and more.

Program Details

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be final-year residents in an approved specialty and meet all program requirements.


    Eligible Specialties Include:

    • Family Medicine
    • Internal Medicine
    • Pediatrics
    • OB/GYN
    • Psychiatry
    • Additional specialties may be considered based on community need

  • Practice & Service Requirements

    Participants must practice in an approved rural or underserved community and enter into a formal agreement outlining a year-for-year service commitment.


    Site approval is determined by TCWD and must be completed prior to participation.

  • Application Requirements

    • Completed application
    • Personal statement
    • Medical school transcripts
    • Letter from residency program director
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
    • Completion of USMLE or COMLEX

  • Application Timeline & Process

    Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline of December 31 for final-year residents.


    Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Residency Incentive Committee, and award notifications are sent following approval.


    Payments begin after the agreement is executed and are distributed quarterly throughout the program.

Quarterly Reporting

Participants are required to submit quarterly reports to maintain eligibility and continue receiving funding. Reports must be submitted within 60 days following the end of each quarter and include all required documentation.

Submit Quarterly Report

Federal and State Incentives

In addition to TCWD programs, physicians may qualify for federal and state incentives that support service in underserved areas.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

State Loan Repayment Programs

Learn More

Contact Us

Questions? Email us at TCWD@tha.com to learn more!