Qarz-e-Hasna Program

Empowering RMU Graduates in Their Pursuit of Postgraduate Training in North America

Program Overview

The Rawalpindi Medical College Alumni Association of North America (RMCAANA), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the state of Connecticut, is proud to launch the Qarz-e-Hasna Program—an initiative aimed at supporting RMU graduates pursuing postgraduate medical training and educational advancement in the United States and Canada.

Recognizing the financial hardships that may delay or obstruct talented graduates from progressing in their careers, this program offers non-interest-bearing, short-term loans to assist with essential expenses during the residency application process.

Key Features

  • The fund is sustained through the generous donations of RMCAANA members and private supporters committed to promoting educational opportunities for future physicians from Pakistan.
  • Loans will cover direct costs related to the USMLE, NRMP, US clinical experience, and travel/lodging for interviews.
  • Maximum loan amount per applicant: $5,000 (subject to fund availability).
  • Loans are to be repaid in full within two years, either as a lump sum or through installments.
  • Disbursements will be made in phases, contingent upon submission of relevant documentation (e.g., proof of ECFMG/NRMP fee payment).
  • Applicants must be Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) graduates and meet minimum eligibility criteria.
  • Legal agreements will outline repayment terms. In the event of default, RMCAANA reserves the right to pursue recovery of the loan with applicable legal and financial consequences.

Eligibility Criteria

  • RMU graduates only.
  • Graduation year within the last 4 years.
  • ECFMG certification is mandatory.
  • No failed USMLE attempts.
  • Valid U.S. visa required before any disbursement.

Proposed Selection Scoring System

Applicants will be evaluated using a structured merit-based scoring system. The following guidelines are provided for the selection board to consider; while non-binding, they are highly recommended. Applicants may use these criteria to assess their own qualifications for this program prior to applying.

  1. Exam Performance
  • USMLE Step 1: 1 point
  • Step 2 CK:
    • ≥255 = 3
    • 245–254 = 2
    • 235–244 = 1
  • OET or Step 2 CS: 1
  • Step 3:
    • 220 = 2
    • ≤220 = 1
  1. Research and Clinical Experience
  • Onsite research >3 months at academic/community institution: 1
  • Peer-reviewed publications:
    • 5 = 2
    • 3–5 = 1
    • 1–3 = 0.5
  1. Supporting Credentials
  • Dean’s letter: 1
  • Strong letter of recommendation: 1
  • U.S. clinical experience: 1
  1. Personal Statement
  • Strong, well-written personal statement: 2

Minimum score to qualify: 5 points.
Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit:

  • Updated CV/resume
  • USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK score reports
  • ECFMG certificate (if available)
  • Passport (ID and visa pages)
  • Medical degree
  • Dean’s letter
  • Personal statement

Additional Considerations (Optional for Internal Review Only)

Applicants facing extraordinary financial hardship may be awarded additional points at the discretion of the RMCAANA Qarz-e-Hasna Committee:

  • Rural background:
  • Documented low income:
  • Orphan status:
  • Documented medical disability:

For applicants who do not fully meet the criteria, alternative support options may be discussed with the RMCAANA Central Council upon request.

Current Loan Availability:

3–5 active loans (subject to change based on funding availability)

RQP v.1_May 29 2025