Where can I search for rotation sites in medically underserved areas in the United States ?
A potential search website is located at http://ask.hrsa.gov. Rotation sites are not limited to this list, but may be a helpful starting point.
Where can I search for rotation sites in medically underserved areas outside of the United States ?
Please refer to SOMA's International Health webpage. Another helpful website is the International Federation of Medical Students' Association (IFMSA) website.
My rotation is not on the Health Professions Shortage Website (HPSA), but is still in an underserved area. Can I still apply for the scholarship?
Yes. If the student feels their rotation site is in an underserved area, they can and should still apply for the PMU Scholarship. Each potential rotation site is researched and verified by the PMU Director.
What is the ACOFP Stipend? How can I apply for it?
The ACOFP Scholarship is available to third and fourth year medical student members of ACOFP. Please refer to the ACOFP Scholarship webpage.
I have a requirement to do a rotation in an underserved area. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
No, the PMU Scholarship is available for elective rotations only. No required or core rotations are eligible for the scholarship.
I have a requirement to do a rotation in primary care. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
No, as this is also a requirement/core rotation, this is not eligible.
Do I have to prepare the curriculum vitae (CV) myself or does my school have to prepare it?
A curriculum vitae must be prepared by the student.
I am a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholar. Does this hinder me from being eligible for the scholarship?
NHSC scholars are eligible for the scholarship and encouraged to apply.
I cannot download the application from the www.studentdo.com website. What do I do?
Try right-clicking and saving the document on the hard drive of the computer, then opening the document through Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Will my school be notified of this scholarship if I receive it?
No, only the student is notified of the scholarship if they receive it.
What types of things are eligible for reimbursement?
The types of things that are allowed for reimbursement are all expenses the student incurred as a result of the rotation. This can include but is not limited to housing, gas, tolls, meals, etc. Items are subject to approval by the PMU Director.
I have finished my rotation and need to send in my all the necessary documents. Where do I send them?
Please send all necessary documents, including preceptor and student evaluations, completed essay, nomination of 1st or 2nd year medical student, as well as the reimbursement form to:
National SOMA
Attn: Elizabeth Hodor
142 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
An email to the PMU Director also needs to be sent. The current (2008-2009) DPMU is Michael A. Ruzek. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
When do I receive the scholarship money if I've been accepted?
After all necessary documents have been received at National SOMA Headquarters and evaluated, please allow at least 4-6 weeks for reimbursement.
