Welcome to the March issue of the NHSCurrent. Every month, the NHSCurrent will help keep you up to date and assist you through your NHSC journey.

Importance of Follow-up with the NHSC
Please remember that keeping the NHSC in the loop with any changes in your status -- such as leaves of absence, repeated course work, and credit hour reductions -- is critically important. Failure to do so may jeopardize your NHSC support. Call the In School/In Training Branch at 1-800-793-1547 or 1-301-594-4410.

Changes in Deductions
It's also very important to submit a new W-4 to the NHSC if you need to make any changes to your number of tax deductions. These changes will affect the amount of your monthly stipend. Go to the following site for a W-4 copy.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-fill/fw4.pdf

Cultural Competency
Don't know what population you'll serve when you finish your training? Find out more about providing health care to a population you may not even know exists. The Sikh religion is the world's 5th largest, and with 400,000 to 500,000 Sikhs living in the United States, it's worth taking an inside look at the unique health care issues related to this burgeoning group.
http://www.sikhwomen.com/health/care/protocol.htm

The Rising Tide: Words of Wisdom from the NHSC
Choose your attitude. You have the power within to transform your experiences...in work and, indeed, life. When you have a positive attitude, that energy carries over to every aspect of your life.

Prose for Practitioners
English: Are you allergic to any medicines?
Spanish: ¿Es usted alérgico a medicinas?
French: Êtes-vous allergique à des médecines?
German: Sind Sie zu irgendeiner Medizin allergisch?
Russian: Est li oo vas allergija na lekarstva?
Chinese: Ni dui yao wu guo ming ma?

Reminder
The HRSA Information Center is a great place to hone your knowledge about health care services for low-income, uninsured people and those with special health care needs.
http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/index.cfm

Correction
The February NHSCurrent listed an incorrect link for Scholars needing to make changes to their residency. The correct link is listed below.
ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/nhsc/members/2003-deferment-info-bulletin.pdf

The NHSCurrent helps shorten the distance between us and you. If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to CYoung1@hrsa.gov.