In parts of Missouri, a shortage of primary health care providers makes it difficult for low-income, uninsured and geographically isolated Missourians to receive health care. By working with health care providers and communities, access to care can be improved for the underserved.

There are four (4) Health Professional Loan and Loan Repayment programs offered through DHSS. Visit the Health Professional Loan and Loan Repayment Programs webpage for details.

  • J-1 Visa/State 30 Waiver Program. This program allows a foreign medical graduate to attend an advanced training program in the United States and waives the requirement for graduates to return to their native country. The physician’s waiver is granted in exchange for an obligation to work for three years in an underserved area of Missouri.
  • National Interest Waiver program allows foreign-trained doctors to work in underserved areas of Missouri.
  • Missouri Graduate Medical Education (GME) Grant Program Missouri Graduate Medical Education (GME) Grant Program is a state funded program to increase the number of residency slots for existing Missouri residency programs.

Additional Resources