Stipend program
HCA Healthcare offers a stipend program providing financial support to residents and fellows in select specialties during their training.
About our stipend program
Residents and fellows in select specialties have the opportunity to receive monthly financial assistance while completing training through our stipend program.
Resident and fellow stipend program
For those selected as a stipend recipient, you'll be offered the following benefits:
- Funds are forgiven as you receive medical staff privileges and membership at an HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital for two years.
- You can go anywhere in the U.S. where there is an HCA Healthcare hospital and a demonstrated need for your specialty.
To ensure eligibility for HCA Healthcare’s stipend program, consider the following requirements when applying:
- Must be a full-time resident in an ACGME, AOA or HCA Healthcare-approved program or a full-time fellow in a U.S. fellowship program
- Resident/fellow must remain in good standing with the program to maintain stipend eligibility
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from current residency/fellowship program
- Resident/fellow is not eligible if a contract or letter of intent with a practice, hospital or other entity has been extended
- Must pass a thorough background check
- Resident/fellow is ineligible to apply if they have an immediate family member on the medical staff at an HCA Healthcare hospital
- Must have completed a minimum of nine months of residency training to be considered for the program
- Must have a minimum of six months of training remaining (as of the last day of the candidate’s review period) to be considered for the program
- Resident/fellow must disclose all future training plans in initial application process. Once contracts have been fully executed, amendments can no longer be made to accommodate additional payments.
Stipend program FAQs
Please review the following questions. Our Strategic Outreach team is available if you have any follow-up questions about our resident and fellow stipend program.
The amount paid per month depends on the length of training remaining.
Stipends are forgiven provided the recipient serves on the medical staff at an HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital and also establishes and maintains their primary medical practice in the geographic area served by any HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital for two years.
Every hospital has its own set of rules that define medical staff privileges. You will need to check with the individual hospital to learn more about the specific responsibilities as determined by their bylaws and policies.
The maximum length of time for a stipend is based on HCA Healthcare’s anticipated need for your medical specialty. Candidates must have completed at least nine months of residency training and have at least six months of training remaining to be considered for the program. Typically, stipends are awarded for six to 24 months.
Does the stipend tie me to a particular hospital/location?
No. Stipend recipients can choose to practice anywhere in the United States where there is an HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital and a need for their specialty.
What if I have already committed to a practice or hospital?
You are not eligible for a stipend. The stipend links you to HCA Healthcare before you are willing to commit to a specific location.
What happens if I cannot fulfill my contract?
If you are unable to fulfill your contract, the total amount of money that you have received must be returned immediately and in full. No penalty or fee will be assessed by HCA Healthcare.
However, if you do not repay the money within 180 days of completing your training, or have an outstanding balance, a loan amortization schedule will be provided with interest that will accrue at the formula rate, per annum, as determined by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
What if I have an immediate family member on medical staff at an HCA Healthcare facility?
You are not eligible for a stipend.
Is the stipend taxed?
Yes. You will receive a 1099 form for any money paid to you during a calendar year. It is your responsibility to pay taxes.
No. There are no extra duty or call-related requirements while you are training or in practice.
After completion of training, am I obligated to be employed by HCA Healthcare?
Stipend recipients are not permitted to moonlight at any HCA Healthcare facility while receiving payments through the stipend program. They can however, moonlight for a facility that is not affiliated with HCA Healthcare.
Can I negotiate a higher payment per month?
No. Amounts are predetermined and not negotiable.
What specialties are eligible to apply for the stipend?
Eligible specialties are determined by the screening committee and reevaluated based on the current needs in our facilities. These specialties are subject to change at any time.
Do you offer stipends to doctors who are in the military reserve?
Yes. Should you be activated, a letter will be written postponing your commitment to serve on active staff at an HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital until you are released.
What if I decide to go on to fellowship?
This needs to be addressed at the time of your application – your potential fellowship plans need to be included in your initial contract. There will be no additional stipend payments added to your contract once it has been fully executed.
The forgiveness period will begin once your training program is complete. If you are undecided on fellowship, we encourage you to wait and apply for the stipend program once all plans have been solidified.
Does the stipend contract prohibit me from signing a non-compete agreement?
It is up to the physician and the practice to determine whether or not the non-compete unfairly restricts the physician’s ability to practice medicine.
Can I moonlight or work PRN at an HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital during training?
Stipend recipients are not permitted to moonlight at any HCA Healthcare facility while receiving payments through the stipend program. They can however, moonlight for a facility that is not affiliated with HCA Healthcare.
Have questions? Contact us
Hannah Coffee, Manager, Stipend Program
For any inquiries about the stipend program, reach out to Hannah Coffee, our Stipend Program Manager. She is available to assist with program details, eligibility, and any other questions you may have.
Interested in learning more about the HCA Healthcare Stipend Program?
Thank you for your interest in our stipend program. A stipend representative will be in touch with you regarding your eligibility to apply.
Stipend application deadlines:
- March 1
- July 1
- October 1