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 abroad after their residency program, in exchange for amortization of student debt. DMA's are approved and employed by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
I. Submit the DMA Application:
Please fill out the DMA application and email to gc@llu.edu or return in person to the GC Loma Linda Office.
II. Complete the GC Personal Information Form:
III. Schedule Interviews with the following individuals:
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.
The first annual Missions Bootcamp at Haiti Adventist Hospital in Haiti will prepare Deferred Mission Appointees (DMAs) and LLU residents for leadership and medical ministry at international Adventist mission hospitals.
Learn MoreMon to Thurs: 8:00pm to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm
The Global Service Award provides opportunities for financially burdened Loma Linda University (LLU) alumni of all disciplines (excluding MD and DDS programs) to serve overseas in volunteer or limited-stipend positions while receiving educational loan repayment assistance. The GSA helps to alleviate some financial burden, enabling LLU graduates who are committed to global service to use their professional skills abroad.
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