Q:  When is the application deadline? A:  The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15, 2005.

Q:  How much is the stipend? A:  CRTP fellows receive an annual stipend of $27,100.

Q:  Is the CRTP stipend taxable? A:  Yes. Although no monthly deductions are made, stipends are subject to state and federal income taxes. Quarterly tax payments are advised. A tax advisor can provide further information.

Q:  Is housing provided? A: Yes. This is a residential program, and participants are required to live in the housing provided: leased 2 bedroom/2 bath apartments, or one-bedroom apartments for couples, in Bethesda, Maryland. These apartments are within walking distance of the NIH campus. All rents include utilities (or utilities are subsidized) and apartments are furnished with the basics for living. Students are expected to provide their own linens.

Q:  Will I be assigned an advisor when I arrive? A:  Yes, after acceptance into the program, students are assigned an advisor from the program's Board of Tutors based on their area of interest. The tutor/advisor oversees the fellow's training, helps to identify a research mentor, and offers guidance to the fellow throughout his/her tenure in the program.

Q:  How do I select a mentor? A:  After you arrive, your tutor/advisor will assist you in selecting an appropriate mentor, taking into consideration the hundreds of clinical research projects and clinical investigators at the NIH. Fellows interview with potential mentors in their first few weeks on campus, prior to making their selection.

Q:  Is health insurance required? A:  Yes, fellows must have health insurance to participate in this program. The health insurance can be obtained through the NIH Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES).

Q:  Are CRTP fellows reimbursed for moving expenses? A:  Yes, the program will reimburse the fellow for reasonable costs associated with relocation to the NIH and back to the fellow's school at the end of the fellowship, up to a predetermined maximum amount.

Q:  Can educational loans be deferred while I am in this program? A:  Yes, CRTP fellows have been able to defer student loans while in this program. As a CRTP fellow you are considered to be engaged in full-time study. To obtain a deferment, it is required that you remain in student status at your school during the time you are in this program. Contact your Financial Aid officer to discuss this matter. The Medical Education Program at the NIH should be notified if you have any difficulties related to loan deferment.

Q:  Are CRTP fellows permitted to take courses? A:  Yes, CRTP fellows may take one course per semester through the NIH Foundation for the Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) which is located on campus. The cost of the tuition and books for this course will be paid by the program, up to a maximum tuition of $800 for the year.

Q:  Is travel support available for fellows who wish to attend scientific meetings? A: Yes, CRTP fellows may attend and be supported for one domestic (continental U.S. or Canada) scientific or professional meeting during their year in the program. The fellow's mentor and the director of the CRTP must approve the conference or meeting.

Q:  Do I still need to submit a transcript even though I entered my grades into the electronic application system? A:  Yes, CRTP candidates are required to submit an official medical school or dental school transcript if accepted to participate in the program. The grades entered into the electronic application are for evaluation purposes only.

If you have specific questions, please contact Mr. Kenneth Williams at (888) 695-5343 or (301) 402-9863. You may also send an email to williajk@od.nih.gov.