Deferred Mission Appointment

Please fill out the DMA application and email to gc@llu.edu or return in person to the GC Loma Linda Office. 

Form Instructions:

1. Fill out the GC Personal Information Form, which allows you to submit details about you and your family

   • ​​Google Chrome seems to be the most reliable internet browser.

   • Please make note of your login username and password.

   • For login credential recovery, please email isewebmaster@gc.adventist.org.

   • Please note: For husband and wife applicants, please register only once per couple as the form has space for both partner's information.

2. Final tab and submission: click Save on “Comment and Submit” tab; the Submit button will then appear to select and complete the process.

3. Notify the GC Loma Linda Office of the form completion by emailing gc@llu.edu.

School of Dentistry Students

• Esther Forde, RN, MA, MBA, assistant dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, eforde@llu.edu
• Doyle Nick, DDS, MS, director of the Office of International Dental Affairs, dnick@llu.edu
• Verdell Schaefer, director of Student Aid, 909-558-4509 
• Angeli Yutuc, MPH, program manager, International Service, ayutuc@llu.edu

​School of Medicine Students

• Henry Lamberton, PsyD, associate dean of Student Affairs, hlamberton@llu.edu
• Verdell Schaefer, director of Student Aid, 909-558-4509
• Angeli Yutuc, MPH, program manager, International Service, ayutuc@llu.edu

A Deferred Mission Appointee (DMA) is a Seventh-day Adventist medical or dental student studying at Loma Linda University, who is willing to accept a mission appointment after their residency program in exchange for amortization of student debt. DMAs serve abroad and are approved and employed by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

This program is designed to allow medical and dental students committed to overseas mission to pursue their professional education with financial stability. In addition, at the conclusion of the service term, a DMA may be eligible to become part of a Loma Linda University Health faculty practice group. 

All Seventh-day Adventist Loma Linda University medical and dental students and residents who are interested may apply for the DMA program. Freshman students must await the completion of their second quarter of school in order to apply. Sophomore, junior and senior students may also apply. A companion program for other LLU students, the Global Service Award is also available. 

Half of the eligible debt is amortized by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The remaining half is sponsored by the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. 

As early as their sophomore year, DMAs are given a Loma Linda University sponsored stipend to cover expenses such as room, board and personal living costs.

During each year of service, eligible debt is amortized at the rate of one-tenth. Thus, if the student borrows the full amount required for tuition and books, the debt will be repaid after approximately ten years of service. If the student is able to borrow less, the balance is paid more quickly. 

Typically, the specialties that are in highest demand are general dentistry, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine and pediatrics. In some cases, other specialties may also be needed.

Our DMA Mentorship Program allows you to connect with DMA missionaries who have perviously served abroad. They will share their own experiences with you, answer your questions and provide you with resources.