the agreement in return for payment of stipend and benefit support as provided in the agreement. (c) Selection (1) In general An individual becomes a participant in a residency program under this section upon the Secretary's approval of the individual's application under subsection (b) and the Secretary's acceptance of the agreement under subsection (d) (if required). (2) Notice Upon the Secretary's approval of an individual's participation in the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly notify the individual of that approval. Such notice shall be in writing. (d) Agreement (1) In general An agreement between the Secretary and a resident in a position under subsection (a)(1) shall be in writing and shall be signed by the resident containing such terms as the Secretary may specify. (2) Requirements The agreement must specify the terms of the service obligation resulting from participating as a resident under this section, including by requiring a service obligation equal to the number of years of stipend and benefit support. (e) Conditions of employment The Secretary may prescribe the conditions of employment of individuals appointed to positions under subsection (a)(1), including necessary training, and the customary amount and terms of pay for such positions during the period of such employment and training. (f) Obligated service (1) In general Each individual appointed to a position under subsection (a)(1) shall provide service as a full-time employee of the Department for the period of obligated service provided in the agreement of the participant entered into under subsection (d). Such service shall be provided in the full-time clinical practice of such participant's profession or in another health care position in an assignment or location determined by the Secretary. (2) Commencement date Not later than 60 days before the date on which an individual commences serving in a position under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall notify the individual of such date. Such date shall be the first