Top L to R: Emily Johnston, Melissa Mannion, Spencer Poore, Robert Richter, Emily Smitherman, Tennille Webb and Kent WillisEmily Johnston, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Melissa Mannion, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Spencer Poore, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Robert Richter, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Emily Smitherman, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Tennille Webb, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, and Kent Willis, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology,, received Loan Repayment Program (LRP) awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

These awards are part of a program established up by Congress to help recruit and retain health professionals in the field of biomedical research. The cost of medical education and training may discourage physicians from pursuing careers in research for higher paying private practice careers. The LRP provides physicians with financial assistance in exchange for a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research. The program will repay up to $50,000 a year for an initial two-year period.

Applications for the Health Disparities LRP and Pediatric Research LRP will be accepted starting Sept. 1, 2021 through Nov. 18, 2021. Click here for more information on eligibility and the LRPs.

Congratulations Drs. Johnston, Mannion, Poore, Smitherman, Richter, Webb and Willis!