Program Medical Director & Selection Chair: Nick Mamalis, MD, Professor and Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, Professor
Department Chairman: Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA, Professor, CEO, John A. Moran Eye Center
Program Director: Rachel G. Simpson, MD, Assistant Professor
About the Fellowship
Thank you for your interest in the Moran Ophthalmic Pathology Research fellowship.
The fellow will work under Dr. Nick Mamalis and Dr. Liliana Werner. The fellow will learn the basics of both the gross and microscopic evaluation of ophthalmic histopathology specimens submitted to the laboratory. In addition, the fellowship involves both basic and clinical ophthalmic research. Fellows are involved in multiple projects involving cataract surgery, intraocular lenses, and anterior segment surgery, in general.
Research projects are performed using cadaver eyes as well as animal eyes. Clinical research opportunities involve various clinical studies in areas as diverse as cataract surgery adjunct treatments, intraocular lenses, dry eyes, and ocular inflammation. In addition, the fellows are involved in ongoing research projects regarding the analysis of postoperative endophthalmitis/inflammation as well as ongoing studies of complications of foldable intraocular lenses.
Application
Applicants should either have an MD or DO degree. In addition to your resume which you may have already forwarded, please send the following: a personal statement, three letters of reference, US-MLE steps 1, 2, or 3 scores, and any ECFMG certificates if applicable. If it is more convenient, you may simply forward your central application match packet.
This fellowship is a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in ophthalmology as well as to obtain publications, which would help to prepare for an ophthalmology residency program. The basic stipend is approximately $44,000 per year.
Deadline for Applications: Applications will again be accepted starting in January 2027 and continuing through shortly after Ophthalmology Match Day 2027.
Fellowship Contact
Diane Lund, Executive Assistant
Email: diane.lund@hsc.utah.edu
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
Griffin J. Jardine, MD, Associate Program Director
Phone: 801-581-2352
griffin.jardine@hsc.utah.edu
Sravanthi Vegunta, MD, Associate Residency Program Director
Phone: 801-581-2352
srav.vegunta@hsc.utah.edu
Roya Garakani, DO, Associate Residency Program Director
Phone: 801-585-3071
roya.garakani@hsc.utah.edu
Meghan Johnson, Programs Manager, Academics
Phone: 801-213-4044
meghan.johnson@hsc.utah.edu
Chandler C. Thompson, Administrative Manager, Academics
Phone: 801-581-3023
chandler.thompson@hsc.utah.edu
Alexandra Ruiz, Academic Services
Phone: 801-215-6701
alexandra.m.ruiz@hsc.utah.edu