EyeJEDI Funding
Underrepresented in Ophthalmology Visiting Student Program
The Department of Ophthalmology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse climate for our trainees to learn and thrive, and providing an equitable opportunity to all to grow. 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 Underrepresented in Ophthalmology Visiting Medical Student Program offers two $3,500 scholarships that 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.
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 and December 15.
All materials should be submitted to: EyeJEDI@mednet.ucla.edu
Subject heading: Underrepresented in Ophthalmology Visiting Student Program
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.
Minority Ophthalmology Research Grant Support Program
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
We look forward to meeting you!
Contact information:
Debbie Sato
Academic Programs Administrator
100 Stein Plaza, Rm 2-132
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-4617