The Department of Ophthalmology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is committed to eliminating health disparity in ophthalmology. The Department strives to creating an inclusive and diverse climate for our trainees to grow and providing an equal opportunity to grow for all. Students with diverse background and experiences create an environment that inspires excellence as physicians and helps address inequities in healthcare in our patient communities.
The Visiting Medical Student Scholarship in Ophthalmology program offers two $3,500 scholarships that support non-UCLA medical students with a demonstrated commitment to advancing healthcare equity to undertake an elective rotation in ophthalmology or summer research at the Stein Eye Institute or Doheny Eye Center. The selection criteria include but not are not limited to the applicant’s record of academic achievement, original and significant contributions to knowledge on issues related to poverty, economic mobility, equity, inclusion, diversity, and access in health services, taking into account the applicant’s relative advantages and constraints over the course of their academic career.
To apply for the Underrepresented in Ophthalmology Visiting Students Scholarship at UCLA, students will first need to comply with the requirements listed on the visiting student page and complete the visiting student program application at least eight weeks prior to the rotation via the Visiting Student Learning Opportunity (VSLO) site. Following the completion of the VSLO application, students should complete:
• A letter (up to 2 pages) of intent describing your interest in ophthalmology and UCLA Department of Ophthalmology, including specialty and career aspirations, along with your personal history of activity and future plans to address health disparities
• Two letters of recommendation that comment on your academic performance
• Curriculum Vitae
• Medical school transcript
Deadlines: May 1
All materials should be submitted to: EyeJEDI@mednet.ucla.edu
Subject heading: Eliminating Health Disparity in Ophthalmology Visiting Medical Student Scholarship.
Additional information can be found on this website: https://steinresidents.com/eyejedi-funding/
Applications will be reviewed by the Academic Office and Medical Student Award Committee at the Department of Ophthalmology to determine eligibility for scholarship selection. The selected students will be notified on the status of the rotation and scholarship.
Two $3,500 Scholasrhips support non-UCLA medical students from historically excluded and underrepresented groups to undertake an elective rotation in ophthalmology or summer research at the Stein Eye Institute or Doheny Eye Center.
Up to 50 students will be awarded stipends each year ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
The Minority Ophthalmology Research Grant Support Program is offered through the AAO | AUPO Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program. The Research Support Grant Program strives to support students in obtaining a mentor to guide their ophthalmic research and provide funding for their research project.
• If you need a mentor to guide your ophthalmic research, submit a Research Mentor Grant Request.
• If you have a mentor and need funding for your ophthalmic research project, submit a Research Support Grant Request.
Program information:
• It is anticipated that up to 50 students will be awarded stipends each year, and those stipends would range from $1000 to $5000.
• Applications will be accepted twice a year.
• Research project duration is anticipated to be from one to six months. If needed, a student could request an additional period of funding, which would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Following completion of the funded research project, each student provides a written report to the Research Support Grant Program Task Force.
• Students are expected to publish or present their research findings at a meeting.
Eligible candidates are:
• Active participants in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program
• M1, M2 or M3 student in good standing
• Interested in pursuing research
• Committed to take the lead and drive the research partnership
The deadlines to apply are January 23 and July 23, 2023.
Additional information please visit: https://www.aao.org/minority-mentoring/research-grant
Contact information:
Debbie Sato
Academic Programs Administrator
100 Stein Plaza, Rm 2-132
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-4617