Eligibility
The MOM program is open to:
- Under-represented minorities (URMs) in ophthalmology, African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans
- URMs who will be first or second year medical students, and juniors and seniors in college
Expectations
Accepted students are matched with an Ophthalmologist Mentor who guide them through their education. Students are expected to
- Attend Student Engagement Weekend – October 27-28 – in Chicago
- Communicate by phone, email, or in person with their mentors three to four times each year, and more frequently, when needed
- Keep their mentors updated on important issues, concerns, decisions, etc.
- Respond to all MOM surveys and requests for information in a timely manner
It is the student’s responsibility to attend Student Engagement Day in Chicago. The program provides no financial support to students; therefore, students are encouraged to seek funding through their school’s Diversity Office or Office of Student Affairs. Depending on the student’s location, these expenses are about $1000 or less, and include:
- Travel to Chicago
- Lodging for at least two nights
- Incidental travel expenses (ground transportation, meals, etc.)
The AAO and AUPO provide:
- Free registration for the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Chicago (October 27-30)
- Breakfast and lunch on October 27 and breakfast on October 28
- Program materials
Dates and Deadlines
- July 15: MOM Program Student Acceptance Notifications Sent
- October 27 and October 28: Student Engagement Weekend at AAO 2018 (Chicago, Illinois)
Student Engagement Weekend
Accepted students attend Student Engagement Weekend on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28 in Chicago, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The students will:
- Meet enthusiastic ophthalmology mentors who can support their career development as they explore different areas of medicine
- Learn how ophthalmologists positively contribute to our health care community by preventing vision loss from diseases, such as diabetes and glaucoma
- See how ophthalmologists help protect a patient’s valuable eyesight and why they enjoy the fulfillment of their careers
- Use simulators to perform cataract surgery and laser microscopic surgery
- Learn more about ophthalmology and the MOM program