Eligibility
The MOM program is open to students who are both:
- Underrepresented minorities (URMs) in ophthalmology: African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans (American Indians / Alaska Natives / Native Hawaiians)
- Medical students entering their first, second or third year; OR college undergraduates entering junior or senior standing (as of Fall 2019)
Expectations
Accepted students are matched with an Ophthalmologist Mentor who will guide them through their education. Students are expected to:
- Attend Student Engagement Weekend, October 12 and 13, 2019 in San Francisco.
- 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 Weekend in San Francisco. The MOM 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 San Francisco
- Lodging for at least two nights
- Incidental travel expenses (ground transportation, meals, etc.)
The AAO and AUPO provide:
- Free registration to attend the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in San Francisco (October 12 - 15)
- Breakfast and lunch on October 12 and breakfast on October 13
- Program materials
Dates and Deadlines
- June 15, 2019: MOM program application due
- July 15, 2019: Student acceptance notifications sent
- October 12 and 13, 2019: Student Engagement Weekend at AAO 2019 (San Francisco, CA)
Student Engagement Weekend
Accepted students attend Student Engagement Weekend on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13 in San Francisco, 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.