Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative (SHOI)
The Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative, or SHOI, covers full tuition and fees for a limited number of students in OHSU's M.D., D.M.D., M.P.A.S. and select D.N.P. programs. In return, recipients commit to practicing in an underserved community in Oregon after graduation.
Established in 2013 by the Oregon Legislative Assembly, SHOI addresses both the high cost of healthcare education and the shortage of providers in rural and underserved Oregon communities.
On this page:
How to apply for SHOI
The 2026-27 application is closed. Applications for 2027-28 will open in October.
SHOI awards funding on a rolling basis. Apply early for priority consideration.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Submit your application to an eligible OHSU program first.
- Complete the online SHOI application, including demographic information, background questions and three essay questions.
SHOI eligibility requirements
To qualify for SHOI, you must be admitted to OHSU as an Oregon resident or Oregon Heritage student in one of these programs:
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Master of Physician Associate Studies (M.P.A.S.)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner D.N.P.
- Family Nurse Practitioner D.N.P.
- Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P.
- Nurse-Midwifery D.N.P.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner D.N.P.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner D.N.P.
OHSU gives priority consideration to students who:
- Live in or graduated from a high school in an underserved community in Oregon
- Attended Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Tech, Southern Oregon University or Western Oregon University
- Are first-generation college students
- Come from a diverse or underrepresented community
SHOI service commitment
SHOI funding comes with a commitment to serve Oregon communities that need healthcare professionals most.
How the service commitment works
SHOI awards recipients funding for the length of their program. For each year of SHOI funding you receive, you commit to one year of service at an approved practice site, plus one additional year. For example, three years of funding means four years of service.
SHOI service sites
After you graduate, you’ll serve at a site approved by the Oregon Office of Rural Health in a rural or urban underserved community.
Examples of approved sites include:
- Federally qualified health centers
- Critical access hospitals
- Tribal clinics
- Certified rural health clinics
- Community mental health clinics
- Other facilities serving medically underserved populations
Learn about approved sites, commitment requirements and job search resources.
Support for SHOI scholars
As a SHOI scholar, you’ll receive support from OHSU and the Oregon Office of Rural Health throughout your education and service commitment. All scholars attend an orientation and receive career planning support to help prepare for practice.
Frequently asked questions
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Who can apply for SHOI?
You can apply for SHOI if you’re an Oregon resident or Oregon Heritage student and you’ve applied to an eligible OHSU program.
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When should I apply and when will I hear back?
Apply as soon as you submit your application to an eligible OHSU program. SHOI awards funding on a rolling basis tied to each program's admission timeline, so earlier applications get priority consideration.
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Does applying for SHOI affect my admissions decision?
No. Admissions committees make decisions independently of the SHOI process. OHSU makes SHOI selections only after admissions decisions are final.
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How many SHOI scholarships are available each year?
The number of awards available each year varies based on funding from the state of Oregon.
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What is the SHOI service commitment?
In exchange for SHOI funding, you commit to practicing in a rural or underserved community in Oregon. Review the service commitment details.
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When does my service commitment begin?
Your service commitment begins within 90 days of completing your degree. If your program requires residency training, your commitment begins within 90 days of completing your residency. You generally cannot pursue fellowship training during your service commitment.
If you plan to pursue an additional degree, such as an M.P.H., your commitment defers without penalty. SHOI does not cover tuition and fees for the additional degree. Email us at shoi@ohsu.edu with questions.
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Do I have to practice primary care to fulfill my SHOI commitment?
No. SHOI does not require a specific specialty. In rural areas, approved sites include primary care and other specialties. In urban areas, approved sites are limited to primary care. Many opportunities in underserved communities are in primary care, and highly specialized positions are limited.
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Do I choose my own practice site?
Yes. You're responsible for finding and securing your position at an approved site. The Oregon Office of Rural Health can help you identify opportunities.
Email workforce services at ruralworkforce@ohsu.edu for guidance.
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Can I apply for and accept other scholarships while receiving SHOI funding?
Yes, with some restrictions. You can apply to other scholarships while your SHOI application is pending. However, you cannot accept another scholarship or funding program that requires a service commitment while receiving SHOI funding.
If you receive SHOI funding, you also cannot accept scholarships that support tuition such as the OHSU President’s Fund Scholarship, the Provost Excellence Scholarship or the Swindells Scholarship.You can accept scholarships and funding that cover living expenses, books and other costs, as long as those funds do not require a service commitment.
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What happens if I cannot complete my commitment or my program?
If you accept SHOI funding and later decide not to complete the service commitment, or if you are unable to finish your academic program, you will be required to enter repayment.
All OHSU students, including SHOI recipients, can access educational debt counseling and financial management services.
Review full details about repayment if you are unable to fulfill your commitment.
Contact us
For questions about your application or funding:
- Email: shoi@ohsu.edu
- Call: 503-494-1267
For questions about fulfilling your service commitment, approved sites and career planning:
- Email: ruralworkforce@ohsu.edu
- Call: 503-494-4450
Current SHOI scholars
Already a SHOI scholar or recent graduate? Find resources for fulfilling your service commitment.