Opportunities for Students
Students in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program enjoy many avenues to explore ophthalmology and become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants. Students selected for participation are given the opportunity to:
- Connect with enthusiastic ophthalmologist mentors who support students’ academic and career development
- Explore the field of ophthalmology and gain hands-on experience with ophthalmic technology
- Learn how ophthalmologists positively impact community health by preventing vision loss from diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma
- Discover why ophthalmologists enjoy rewarding work and report high career satisfaction
- See how ophthalmologists are passionate about protecting sight and empowering lives
Student Responsibilities
Students selected for participation in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program are responsible for:
- Participating in the virtual Student Engagement Program; optional in-person components will be offered Nov. 12 - 14, 2021 in New Orleans
- Communicating with their mentors by phone, video chat, email or in person at least 3 to 4 times each year, more frequently when needed
- Keeping their mentors updated on important issues, concerns, decisions, etc.
- Responding to all program surveys and requests for information in a timely manner
Student Engagement Program
Students selected to participate in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program are required to attend the Student Engagement Program — an immersive, multi-day introduction to ophthalmology and the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program. Please check back for details. We are finalizing our plans to make programming safe and accessible in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program provides registration all Student Engagement Program materials free of charge.
Who Should Apply
Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) students include those who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and/or Native American (American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian).
We are seeking students who will be in their first or second year of medical school during the 2021-22 academic year; or pre-medical students planning to enter medical school in 2022 (for example, college seniors, post-baccalaureate students or students taking a gap year for research).
Dates and Deadlines
- Apr. 12, 2021: Early Decision Application Deadline
- May 17, 2021: Decisions from Early Decision Application Deadline Sent
- Jun. 15, 2021: Final Application Deadline
- Jul. 26, 2021: Decisions from Final Deadline Sent
- Nov. 12 - 14, 2021: Student Engagement Program for the Class of 2021
- Nov. 2021: Application Opens for the Class of 2022
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact mentoring@aao.org.