​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.

DMA Application Steps (I-III)

​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:

Complete the online GC Personal Information Form.

Form Instructions:

  1. Go to: http://Interdivisionservices.gc.adventist.org (Internet Explorer seems to be the most reliable internet browser)
  2. Click: Employee (found at the top right corner)
  3. Click: Fill Out Application (just above log-in box on the left)
  4. Please Note: For a husband and wife applicants, please register only once per couple (the form has space for both partner's information)
  5. Select: "Amanda Biddle" as the person who asked you to fill out the application
  6. Select: "Loma Linda University" as the institution requesting confidential access to your information
  7. Fill out the remaining fields (use both upper and lower case)
  8. Click: Submit
  9. Complete the GC Personal Information Form (remember to save often)
  10. Once you have submitted the form, please send an email to gc@llu.edu, notifying the GC Loma Linda Office of its completion

GC Website Login

GC Website User Guide

III. Schedule Interviews with the following individuals:

School of Dentistry Students

  • Esther Valenzuela, RN, MA, MBA, assistant dean for Admissions and Student Affairs evalenzuela@llu.edu
  • Doyle Nick, DDS, MS, director of the Office of International Dental Affairs dnick@llu.edu
  • Verdell Schaefer, director of Student Aid vschaefer@llu.edu
  • Jan Zumwalt, RN, MS, MBA, associate director of the Global Health Institute jzumwalt@llu.edu

​School of Medicine Students

DMA Application Process

  • Students may apply to the DMA program after the completion of their first quarter.
  • Applications are reviewed and DMAs are selected by the Global Mission Appointment (GMA) Committee.

QUICK APPLICATION LINKS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Deferred Mission Appointee?

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.

What is the purpose of serving as a DMA?

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. 

Who is eligible?

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. 

Who finances the DMA program?

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. 

What about living expenses while in school?

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.

How quickly is debt repaid?

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. 

Which specialties are needed most?

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.

Contact Us

GC Loma Linda Office at the Global Health Institute
24888 Prospect Ave
Loma Linda, CA 92354

909-558-4563 gc@llu.edu

Office Hours

Mon to Thurs: 8:00pm to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm

Global Service Award (GSA)

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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