Written by Sarah Gluck
More than ever, researchers and medical professionals are seeking careers outside of academia – often for higher paying industry work. The costs of education and training are a driving force in this trend, which has even drawn attention from the National Institutes of Health. Fortunately for young scientists, Congress enacted the NIH Loan Repayments Program (LRP), which repays up to $35,000 of student loan debt annually. The Loan Repayment Program encourages young investigators to stay in science, and provides an opportunity to work at the National Institutes of Health – since their founding, they have funded over 20,000 awards.
As partner organizations, the LRP and NRMN established a Twitter Chat last August to discuss applications and how to maximize chance of success. #NRMNchatsLRP featured two LRP awardees, Dr. Chris Carroll (@ChriscarrollMD) and Dr. Michael Johnson (@blacksciblog), among dozens of other participants.
Some of the advice included:
“Always convey how you are going to grow in your skills [and] expertise.”
-Dr. Marguerite Matthews, @PhDeez
“Super important that you talk to a program officer [before] applying to discuss funding and research priorities…”
-Dr. Ericka Boone, NIH Division of Loan Repayment, @DLRDirector
“…if you don’t get it the first time, don’t give up! I know lots of people who’ve gotten it the second time around!”
-Dr. Chris Carroll, @ChriscarrollMD
Dr. Boone also noted that the LRP has an Ambassador Network of past and present awardees, who can help you in the application process at your home institution. If you conduct research in the following areas, you might be eligible to apply to this program: Clinical; Pediatric; Contraception & Infertility; Health Disparities; Clinical Research for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds. Consider filing an application in 2018! You can find more information about the LRP here.
NRMN is hosting another Twitter Chat on January 26th, 2-3 PM EST, to discuss experiences as mentees and mentors in honor of National Mentoring Month.
