DOGANA Loan Program

Organization: DOGANA (Dow Graduates Association of North America), a 501(c)(3) non-profit alumni organization of Dow University of Health Sciences graduates residing in North America.

Geographic Scope: United States (no funds sent outside US)

Focus Areas: Financial assistance for Dow graduates applying for residency in the US, including travel expenses, examination fees (ECFMG registration), and residency application fees.

Purpose

DOGANA established this loan program to assist deserving Dow graduates with financial challenges during the residency application process.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Dow Medical College (DMC) or Dow International Medical College (DIMC) graduate
• Must not have participated in self-funded schemes; applied on open merit seats only
• Point System: Must score at least 5 out of 8 points:
  • 2 points each for scoring in the 90th percentile or higher in two steps
  • 1 point each for: US clinical rotations, research papers, residency offers, or positive visa status (green card or H1 already in place)
• Maximum two applications allowed (can apply twice across different years if unsuccessful first year)
• Must provide names of 2 DOW graduates in USA as endorsers who can verify academic qualifications and financial need

Loan Terms

• Maximum Amount: $3,000 per candidate
• Interest: Interest-free loan
• Repayment Period: 2 years from starting residency
• Special Condition: If candidate fails to secure residency, repayment is not obligated
• Reimbursement: Direct reimbursement through US-based banks or financial institutions upon submission of receipts (registration fees, travel receipts, application fees)

Committee

Managed by a 7-person committee: 4 members from Central Council (President, President Elect, Treasurer, Executive Director) and 3 members from membership at large (3-year terms, staggered initially)

Mailing Address: 428 South 7th Street, Suite 4, Lehighton, PA 18235

Application Process

1. Contact DOGANA at info@dogana.org for application materials
2. Submit completed application including:
   • List of interviewing hospitals (if already applied for residency)
   • Names of 2 DOW graduate endorsers in USA
   • All receipts for claimed expenses (ECFMG registration fees, travel receipts, application fees, etc.)
3. Committee will review and evaluate using point system
4. Approval by Central Council
5. Upon approval, candidate will be directly reimbursed through US-based financial institutions after receipt submission

Key Notes:

• No funds sent outside the US
• All receipts must be provided before reimbursement
• Candidates must be cross-referenced by council members