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Sponsorship by the IHS of Out-of-Service Training for Physicians


DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
Health Services Administration
Indian Health Service
Rockville, Maryland

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE CIRCULAR NO. 79-05


Effective Date:  June 19, 1979

SPONSORSHIP BY THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE OF OUT-OF-SERVICE
TRAINING FOR PHYSICIANS

  1. PURPOSE:

    To set forth the policy as regards the eligibility for limitations on the sponsorship by the Indian Health Service of out-of-service training for physicians.  This policy deals strictly with such eligibility and should not be interpreted as constituting any commitment to entitlement for such training.

  2. POLICY:
    1. Eligibility for Sponsorship:
      1. Completion of a minimum of two consecutive years of service as a physician in the Indian Health Service.
      2. Career potential and specialty need in the Indian Health Service as determined and supported in writing by three appropriate senior level medical officers of the Indian Health Service.
    2. Limitation of Sponsorship:
      1. The maximum length of each sponsorship period will be the minimum time required to obtain specialty or sub-specialty board eligibility.
      2. If board eligibility is not available for such training, the maximum time allowed for each sponsorship period will be more than two years.
      3. Subsequent to one period of sponsorship, an individual may again be considered for another period subsequent to the payback time.
    3. Payback Time:
      1. Payback service time will be at least equal in length to the sponsored period and conform with appropriate Commissioned Corps or Civil Service requirements.
      2. Assignment for payback will be negotiated and confirmed by the Indian Health Service with the officer approximately six months prior to completion of training.

  3. PROCEDURE:

    Application for long-term or out-of-service training is made to the appropriate Area Program Long-Term Training Committee.  Appropriate forms and materials are available through Area Training Officers.  Several levels of approval are required and it is suggested that applications be made one year in advance of the expected starting date of training.  Area Training Officers should be consulted for specifics.

  4. SUPERSESSION:

    This issuance applies only to the Indian Health Service physicians and supersedes any previous issuance of similar nature.

/Joe Exendine for/
Emery A. Johnson, M.D.
Assistant Surgeon General
Director, Indian Health Service


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