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International Observership

Application Information

To be considered for the program, the following documents must be submitted:

  1. Completed application
  2. Letter of interest, please include:
    • Subspecialty of ophthalmology
    • Goals & expectations of program
  3. Dates for observership
  4. Copy of current passport
  5. Curriculum vitae (CV); including a list of publications
  6. Copies of medical license(s) (translated into English)
  7. Copies of academic degree(s) (translated into English)
  8. Letters of recommendation, please provide:
    • One (1) letter from a college / university professor
    • One (1) Letter from the Director of your Medical Office / Department
  9. Proof of English fluency, please provide one (1) of the following:
    • English test scores such as the TOEFL, ESOL, or the Michigan Test
    • Letter from an English teacher with knowledge of your fluency in English
    • Letter from a US ophthalmologist with knowledge of your English skills
  10. Verification of financial support, please provide one (1) of the following:
    • Agency support – A letter from the agency financing your observership, stating the amount (in US dollars) that will be provided to you
    • Agency  and self-support – A letter from the agency that will be financing your observership stating that amount (in US dollars) that will be provided to you,
    • AND a personal bank statement verifying the amount of money available to you
    • Self-support – Provide bank statements to verify that you are able to support yourself during your observership
    • Letter of need – Letter explaining the amount of financial assistance (in US dollars) that will be needed
  11. Verification of immunizations
  12. Visa documents (only if you already have a current U.S. Visa)

After all the required information has been returned to us, it will be reviewed by our team and you will be contacted with our decision. If you are accepted, more information and documentation may be requested from you. You will be responsible for returning all requested information by the requested deadline.

We provide a very busy clinical exposure to all aspects in the ophthalmology subspecialty requested. You will have a full rotation schedule both in the clinic setting and surgery, always under the direct supervision of one or several of our faculty ophthalmologists in your requested subspecialty. You will also be invited to attend grand rounds, lectures, conferences, and other ophthalmology events. You will have access to the ophthalmology library resources and equipment, with the additional possibility of clinical research.

Please direct all communications to:

Erika Ruiz (erika.ruiz@hsc.utah.edu) or Abigail Jacketta (abigail.jacketta@utah.edu).

Global Outreach Education Coordinator - Moran Eye Center
Phone: 801-213-3444
Fax: 801-581-3357

For overnight mail, please use the following address:

Moran Eye Center
65 Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Education Program Resources

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Contact Us

University of Utah School of Medicine

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

John A. Moran Eye Center
Academic Office
65 Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Phone: 801-585-3719
Fax: 801-581-5806

Rachel G. Simpson, MD, Vice Chair of Education
Phone: 801-581-2352
rachel.simpson@hsc.utah.edu

Sravanthi Vegunta, MD, Associate Program Director
Phone: 801-581-2352
srav.vegunta@hsc.utah.edu

Meghan Johnson, Programs Manager, Academics
Phone: 801-213-4044
meghan.johnson@hsc.utah.edu

Kellie Nelson, Programs Manager, Academics
Phone: 801-585-6701
kellie.nelson@hsc.utah.edu

Chandler Thompson, Executive Assistant
Phone: 801-581-3023
chandler.thompson@hsc.utah.edu

Barbara Korous, Director, Operations
801-585-6143
barbara.korous@hsc.utah.edu