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 at a Loma Linda University Health International Partner Site after their residency program, in exchange for amortization of student debt. Graduates who aren’t in need of loan re-payment assistance may also apply. DMA's are approved and employed by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Please fill out the DMA application and email to gc@llu.edu or return in person to the GC Loma Linda Office.
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.
September 18 marked the first day of school for six children of medical missionaries and local healthcare professionals serving at Malamulo Adventist Hospital, a Loma Linda University Health Global Campus in the Southeastern African nation of Malawi.
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The Missions Boot Camp is a new program specifically designed for Deferred Mission Appointees (DMA) and Loma Linda University students interested in long-term international service at Loma Linda University Health & Adventist Health International partner sites. It prepares participants for leadership and medical ministry in Adventist mission hospitals.
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The story is somewhat typical of what life is like for Drs. Olen and Danae Netteburg, Loma Linda University School of Medicine graduates (Olen 2007, Danae 2006) working, since 2010, as missionaries in the African country of Chad at Bere Adventist Hospital. The 100-bed facility is nearly 25 miles away from the nearest paved road.
Read MoreMon to Thurs: 8:00pm to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm
Loma Linda University alumni of all disciplines (excluding MD and DDS programs) can serve overseas in volunteer or limited-stipend positions while receiving educational loan repayment assistance.
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