RWJF or ACS SCHOLAR

VA SCHOLAR

PROGRAM

No difference in treatment from program.

No difference in treatment from program.

COURSE WORK

Coursework and classes are the same.

Coursework and classes are the same.

MENTORSHIP

No difference in mentors and contacts.

No difference in mentors and contacts.

OFFICE SPACE

No difference in office space.

No difference in office space.

ACCESS TO VA DATABASES

Availability may be limited depending on the project. Several steps are required to gain access.

Full access.

CLINICAL OPPORTUNITIES

Expected to engage in clinical activities up to 20% of their time. Non VA Scholars also may be able to do their clinical work at the VA after required credentialing.

Same. However, VA Scholars generally must perform their clinical activities at the VA. If clinical activity is related to veterans care but not at VA facility, permission can be requested.

CREDENTIALING

The department where Scholar will be doing clinical work handles the credentialing paperwork.

Those who have completed residency must be credentialed at the VA.

Note: fingerprinting and other appropriate background checks are part of the VA pre-employment process.

Surgical residents in training may or may not be able to do clinical work; depends on sign off from VA surgical attending.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

Not covered by Program. Scholars must have their malpractice covered by the department or community health organization where they work.

Once credentialed, malpractice coverage is provided by the VA for clinical work done at the VA or at alternate sites if prior VA Central Office approval granted.

3rd YEAR SCHOLAR OPPORTUNITIES

Scholars must apply.  Applications are reviewed on merit.  There is a cap on total funding available.

Scholars must apply.  Applications are reviewed on merit. 

SALARY

Stipends are comparable with those of similar fellowship positions at the respective university.

Gross pay is slightly higher for VA Scholars. VA salaries are determined on a PGY basis, so that pay is related to years of training.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Dependent on training site.

Provides benefits through Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/

Have a broader range of choices for health insurance. However, enrollment in FEHBP is not effective until the next pay period after you sign up. Because this could result in a 2-4 week period of non-coverage, COBRA continuation of prior health insurance for this time period is advisable.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Dependent on training site.

Many options for dental insurance available; cost depends on what plan is selected.

DISABILITY INSURANCE

Dependent on training site.

No disability insurance.

MATERNITY LEAVE

Dependent on training site.

There is no paid maternity/paternity leave. Must use Annual Leave (vacation days), Sick Leave, or take Leave Without Pay (unpaid leave). There are 15 days of sick leave per year that can be used as a paid maternity/paternity leave, if not used for other illness. In addition, may be able to use up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per individual’s eligibility for the Family Medical Leave Act. Advanced sick leave can also be requested if in the program long enough to be expected to ‘pay it back.’

RETIREMENT PLAN

Dependent on training site.

Not eligible for Federal Employee Retirement System.

VACATION

Dependent on training site.

Receive the same amount of vacation time, called Annual Leave in VA argot. VA Scholars must request leave through the computer and communicate with their VA timekeeper and supervisor.

TAXES

Dependent on training site.

VA Scholars are considered federal employees and withholding taxes are taken out of paychecks (includes participation in Social Security).

LOAN REPAYMENT

Eligible to apply for the NIH Loan Repayment Program. If awarded, the NIH will repay up to $35,000 per year of student loans. However, the program is highly competitive and applying does not guarantee receiving the award.

Ineligible to apply for the NIH Loan Repayment Program.