West Coast Region
University of Utah Health, John A. Moran Eye Center
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 complications of foldable intraocular lenses.
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 or send your SF Match ID if you applied to the Moran ophthalmology residency program previously.
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 $40,000 per year.
Deadline for Applications: Feb. 9, 2024.
Contact
Diane Lund, Executive Assistant
Diane.lund@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801-581-6586
Fax: 801-581-3357
Nick Mamalis, MD
nick.mamalis@hsc.utah.edu
Liliana Werner, MD, PhD
liliana.werner@hsc.utah.edu
Glaucoma Research Fellowship
The fellow will work closely with the Moran Glaucoma Division, whose members have a wealth of experience with clinical trials, investigator-initiated projects, retrospective reviews, health services research, basic science work, and publications. He/she will learn the nuances of glaucoma research, including literature review, design, IRB approval, recruitment, chart reviews, biostatistics, database management, manuscript preparation, and delivering presentations at national/international meetings. Fellows will be involved in multiple projects involving glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. These research projects will involve human/animal subjects along with experience in analyzing large data sets like Medicare claims data, Utah Population Database, and Epic/iCentra/CPRS EMRs.
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 glaucoma fellowship is a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in ophthalmology along with ample opportunities for publications and presentations at national/international meetings. The basic stipend is approximately $30,000 per year, depending on experience.
Contact
Michelle Seegmiller – Executive Assistant to Norm Zabriskie, MD
Email: m.seegmiller@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801-585-3071
Fax: 801-581-3357
Program Medical Director & Selection Committee: Norm Zabriskie, MD; Ike Ahmed, MD; Susan Chortkoff, MD; Craig Chaya, MD; Austin Nakatsuka, MD; Brian Stagg, MD, MS; Rachel Simpson, MD; Barbara Wirostko, MD
Smith Kettlewell Eye Research Institute
Low Vision and Eye Movements Pre-Residency Fellowship
The Smith-Kettlewell Fellowship Program in San Francisco consists of pre- and post-doctoral fellowships in basic, clinical, and rehabilitation research relating to the areas of interest of the Program Preceptors. The Fellowship Program consists of fellowships funded by an NEI Training Grant, the Rachel C. Atkinson endowment, and the C.V. Starr Scholarship Fund at Smith-Kettlewell.
Contact
Midwest Region
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ophthalmic Pathology/Imaging Pre-Residency Fellowship Program
Program Directors: Drs. Heather Potter, Barb Blodi, and Amitha Domalpally
Description: The Ophthalmic Pathology/Imaging fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a one-year pre- residency fellowship. This fellowship position is a paid position and will be at the Research Specialist level. In this fellowship, 50% time will be spent in Ophthalmic Pathology and 50% time at the Wisconsin Reading Center (WRC). The responsibilities of the fellow are listed below for both units:
Ophthalmic Pathology Lab
The fellow reviews cases and prepares a draft path report in consultation with Dr. Heather Potter, director of the Ophthalmic Pathology lab. There are opportunities to participate in basic science research or histopathologic studies reviewing the substantial library of former cases seen in the laboratory. The fellow is also involved in several educational opportunities with the ophthalmology residents and medical students.
Wisconsin Reading Center
The fellow’s involvement at the WRC includes exposure to and training in the analysis of retinal images such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, ultra-wide field imaging, color photographs, auto-fluorescence images, and fluorescein angiograms. The fellowship will require call shifts during some nights and weekends. The fellow will be involved in multiple projects, including clinical trials and grants, to assess novel imaging outcomes for retinal diseases such as retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, retinal dystrophies, and macular degeneration. There will be an opportunity to work with new and ongoing imaging research aimed towards conference presentations and publications.
Background:
The UW Eye Pathology Lab evaluates specimens received, not only from ophthalmologists within the state of Wisconsin, but also from pathology laboratories across the United States. Given the many unique specimens seen by our service, there are ample opportunities for case reports and photo submissions.
The Wisconsin Reading Center (WRC), within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, provides image evaluation services in support of clinical trials and epidemiologic studies of eye diseases. In partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the WRC has developed scientific methodologies for the analysis of ophthalmic images. The WRC participates in a number of clinical trials with a large dataset of standardized images of retinal diseases. Images are received from clinics all over the world with high-volume images evaluated every year.
Supervision: The fellow will be supervised by Jeong Pak, and mentored by Drs. Blodi and Domalpally, as well as co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff. Training may occur with WRC co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff.
Length of Fellowship: 1 year
Number of Fellowships per year: 2
Start date: May or June
Application deadline: February 11, 2024
Clinical Research Required: Yes
Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes
Questions?
Contact: Apryl Conner
301 S. Westfield Road, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53717
Email: alconner@wisc.edu
Ophthalmic Imaging Pre-residency Fellowship Program
Director: Drs. Barb Blodi and Amitha Domalpally
Description: The Ophthalmic Imaging fellowship program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a one-year pre-residency fellowship. This fellowship position is a paid position and will be at the Research Specialist level.
The fellow will spend 100% time at the WRC as part of a one-year position. The WRC fellowship includes exposure to and training in the analysis of retinal images such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, ultra-wide field imaging, color photographs, auto-fluorescence images, and fluorescein angiograms. The fellowship will require call shifts during some nights and weekends. The researcher will be involved in multiple projects, including clinical trials and grants, assessing novel imaging outcomes for retinal diseases including retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, retinal dystrophies, and macular degeneration. There will be an opportunity to work with new and ongoing imaging research aimed towards conference presentations and publications.
The fellow will be supervised by Jeong Pak, and mentored by Drs. Blodi and Domalpally, as well as co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff. Training may occur with WRC co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff.
Background: The WRC, within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, provides image evaluation services in support of clinical trials and epidemiologic studies of eye diseases. In partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the WRC has developed scientific methodologies for the analysis of ophthalmic images. The WRC participates in a number of clinical trials with a large dataset of standardized images of retinal diseases. Images are received from clinics all over the world with high-volume images evaluated every year.
Length of Fellowship: 1 year
Number of Fellowships per year: 1
Start date: May or June
Application deadline: February 11, 2024
Clinical Research Required: Yes
Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes
Questions?
Contact: Apryl Conner
301 S. Westfield Road, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53717
Email: alconner@wisc.edu
Kresge Eye Institute
Quality Improvement Fellowship
The Quality Improvement Fellowship at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit is a one-year, paid, pre-residency fellowship for MDs or DOs who intend to pursue a residency position in ophthalmology. The role of the QI Fellow is to create and execute new research projects and to assist residents, fellows, and medical students in preparing new projects. They will also work two days per week in the resident-run ophthalmology clinic, under the direct supervision of an attending physician, and attend all of the resident didactic lectures. Lastly, the QI Fellow will earn a Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety from the IHI, and will assist the KEI residents in creating and executing quality improvement projects throughout the year.
Contact
Deborah Chesney
Email: dchesney@med.wayne.edu
Southern Region
University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Ophthalmic Pathology Fellowship
The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute offers a one-year funded fellowship in ophthalmic pathology. The fellow will evaluate all specimens that are received in the laboratory and will be expected to engage in new and going research projects. Graduates of accredited programs in ophthalmology or pathology, as well as pre-residency candidates, will be considered.
Please download our fellowship application online and return it to Isabel R. Perez with the required supporting documents.
Contact
Isabel R. Perez (Residency/Fellowship Program Coordinator)
P.O. Box 016880
Miami, FL 33101
Toll-Free: 800-329-7000 ext. 6391
Phone: 305-326-6391
Fax: 305-326-6580
Email: irperez@med.miami.edu
University of North Carolina
Ophthalmology Research Fellowship
This is a one-year research fellowship program with Dr. David Fleischman (glaucoma) and Dr. Alice Zhang (surgical retina) at UNC. The program offers an opportunity to participate in research at the institution and to meet and be part of a great team of ophthalmologists. This program has been in place for the past 7 years. The majority of students who came through were successful in securing an ophthalmology residency the very next year (10 out of 11) and four became UNC residents.
The research fellow will help take over projects that are ongoing and not yet completed by our current fellows. The year is aimed to begin in March/April 2022 until April 2023 (can be altered depending on your needs). Projects are mostly clinical, some requiring review of databases, others requiring recruitment and interaction with patients in the clinical setting. During your research year, you will also have the opportunity to shadow in the OR and in the clinic, and attend resident teaching and wet lab sessions.
Both supervisors are excited to mentor you towards the next step in your career. You will be given sufficient time off needed to attend all interviews. Please send an email to UNC_Ophtho@med.unc.edu with a few sentences outlining what you hope to gain out of this research year. If you applied to UNC through SF match, please specify your SF ID#, otherwise please forward your CAS application. The program will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis until February 23, 2022.
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center
Pre-Residency Glaucoma Research Fellowship
Systems genetics analysis aims to identify novel genes responsible for the development or progression of complex diseases, such as glaucoma, based on statistical correlations between gene expression and phenotypic variation.
The research fellow will learn the basis of systems genetics analysis and conduct in silico experiments using GeneNetwork, an online free-to-access genome database. The fellow will be responsible for all questions, experiments, figure design, and manuscript writing related to systems genetics. The fellow will also learn other basic science research skills, such as animal handling and dosing, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and immunohistochemical staining and imaging, and should be willing to help other lab members in these responsibilities from time to time. The fellow may also have the responsibility of teaching medical students about systems genetics and guiding them in their own summer research projects. Prior experience with biostatistics, coding in R, Adobe Photoshop, and Prism are helpful, but not required. The fellow will have the opportunity to present their research at the Hamilton Eye Institute Summer Research Symposium and at ARVO in the Spring, with support from the lab.
Clinical opportunities include one half-day per week spent in the resident clinic examining and working up patients under the direct supervision of the residents as well as one half-day per week spent in the operating room with various clinical faculty, including the residency program director. The fellow will have the opportunity to give at least one Friday morning grand rounds presentation to the residents and faculty of the residency program. Volunteer opportunities with the Mid-South Lions Club are available and encouraged. An interview with the UTHSC residency program is not guaranteed, however the track record of matching research fellows to ophthalmology residency programs is very strong.
The ideal candidate is individually motivated, hardworking, easy to work with, and capable of learning several new skills.
Funded: Yes
Contact: Monica Jablonski, PhD (mjablon1@uthsc.edu)
How to Apply: Email Dr. Jablonski with your CV and/or SFMatch application.
East Coast Region
Department of Ophthalmology, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY
Pre-Residency Clinical Fellowship
The BronxCare Health System, an academic affiliate of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, offers a one-year pre-residency clinical fellowship in the Department of Ophthalmology. Our intent is to offer highly motivated medical school graduates, clinical and educational experiences that will better enable them to achieve a successful career in ophthalmology.
The fellow will rotate through the Consult Service as well as various subspecialty clinics working with ophthalmology residents and supervising attendings. Participation in the resident on-call schedule will be with the backup of the senior ophthalmology residents and supervising attendings. Involvement in departmental educational and clinical research activities is mandatory with the publication or presentation of the clinical research as our goal.
Applicants must have an MD or DO degree; and ECFMG certification if an international graduate. The position is full-time with salary and benefits. Employment is contingent upon the individual obtaining a New York State Limited Permit. NYS Medicine: Application Forms (nysed.gov)
To apply: please send a current curriculum vitae, medical school diploma, all USMLE steps scores, and ECFMG certification if applicable.
Contact
SherRon Williams
Residency Program Coordinator
718-960-1287
SWilli14@BronxCare.org
Zimei Zhou, MD PhD
Residency Program Director
ZZhou@BronxCare.org
Martin Mayers, MD
Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
718-960-2044
MMayers@BronxCare.org
Maine Eye Center
Pre-Residency Fellowship
The Maine Eye Center offers a Pre-Residency Clinical Fellowship under the direction of Dr. Lisa Neavyn and Dr. Brooke Miller. Fellow responsibilities include triaging urgent care patients, working in subspecialty clinics, and pre-rounding on inpatient ophthalmology consults at the hospital in addition to 24-hour calls one week per month. Research opportunities are self-directed with good support from attendings.
This is a one-year, paid clinical fellowship with benefits.
To apply: Please forward your CAS application, CV, medical school transcripts and three letters of recommendation to Fellowship@MaineEyeCenter.com.
For more information: www.maineeyecenter.com/education
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Clinical Research Fellow/Coordinator Position
The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a one-year funded Clinical Research Fellow/Coordinator position. This position involves direct interaction with all faculty members working on multiple research projects, although the focus is primarily in glaucoma and pediatric ophthalmology. A portion of the work involves patient recruitment and regulatory work, but the position allows a candidate to gain significant experience in research study design, statistical analysis, and writing.
The research fellow is expected to contribute significantly to work that will result in multiple publications. Funding is available for presentation at national conferences and potentially for statistical coursework. This position may be appropriate for both pre-doctoral as well as post-doctoral candidates. The most recent fellow in this position just matched for ophthalmology at one of his top choices.
To apply: contact Dr. Osamah Saeedi, Director of Clinical Research, directly at osaeedi@som.umaryland.edu.
Contact
Osamah Saeedi, MD (Director of Clinical Research)
419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 470
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: osaeedi@som.umaryland.edu
Tufts Medical Center/New England Eye Center/ New England Eye Center
OCT Research Fellowship
Since 2003, the New England Eye Center has offered a one-year fellowship to a medical student interested in pursuing OCT research, in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. James Fujimoto at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The research involves the clinical application of innovative OCT technologies in patients at NEEC.
The student has the opportunity to design, initiate, and complete clinical studies on the utility of these devices in retinal diseases and glaucoma. A background in engineering or computer science is helpful but not required.
This is a one-year, full-time commitment starting in July and ending in June every year. A yearly stipend is offered.
To apply, send your CV to Dr. Waheed (nadiakwaheed@gmail.com) and cc Stephanie Dunn (sdunn@tuftsmedicalcenter.org) and Gabi Zsemlye (gzsemlye@tuftsmedicalcenter.org).
Contact
Nadia K. Waheed, MD
800 Washington Street, #450
Boston, MA 02111
nwaheed@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
Pre-Residency Glaucoma Research Fellowship
This is a one-year research fellowship with Dr. Ritch. He is a world-renowned expert in glaucoma, and is especially known for his work with pseudo-exfoliation syndrome, normal-tension glaucoma, and pigment dispersion syndrome. Responsibilities include recruiting patients and conducting the research projects, ranging from retrospective chart reviews to literature reviews and prospective imaging studies. There are also opportunities to teach junior medical students.
This position is a paid position that is open for both medical students and MDs.
Contact
Robert Ritch, M.D.
ritchmd@glaucoma.net
The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, C. Stephen Foster, MD
Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Pre-Residency Research Fellowship
The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation (OIUF) offers a one-year, funded pre-residency fellowship in ocular immunology/uveitis at Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution in Waltham, MA, just outside of Boston. This program is directed by C. Stephen Foster, MD, a pioneer in the development of treatments for ocular inflammatory disease. Our other preceptors in the program are Stephen D. Anesi, MD, and Peter Y. Chang, MD, both of whom were trained by Dr. Foster.
We provide comprehensive training in the evaluation and management of patients with all forms of ocular inflammatory disease, both anterior and posterior segment, including uveitis. In addition to participating in daily clinics at our private outpatient practice, research fellows participate in active research projects based on personal interests, including participation in clinical trials, basic science in a fully equipped laboratory, and clinical topics, with ample opportunity to publish in recognized journals. Our program includes a strong didactic lecture series with invited experts across multiple disciplines. Additional learning opportunities are offered through monthly journal club and case conference meetings.
We encourage abstract submission to ARVO and provide funding for fellows to attend with abstract acceptance. Research fellows participate in one or more physician conferences, with nationally recognized faculty members, which we organize each year. In addition to our U.S.-trained research fellows, we welcome research fellows and observers from around the world. These individuals, who are typically highly-trained and skilled ophthalmologists, add to the experience of our research fellows by bringing diverse viewpoints for discussion.
We are conveniently located in close proximity to Boston while enjoying the many benefits of being just outside a major city (free parking, reduced cost of living, top-rated schools in neighboring towns, excellent restaurants). Please submit a resume, cover letter, three letters of recommendation, and CAS application if available to Scott Evans at sevans@mersi.com.
Contact
Scott Evans, MBA
1440 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Telephone: 617-620-8033
Email: sevans@mersi.com
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics at Wills Eye Hospital
Bradway Research Scholar Fellowship
This is a funded, full-time position, which starts July 1. International applicants are welcome. The Supervisor for this position is Dr. Kammi Gunton.
Wills Eye Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics is a very busy service where we see an enormous range of pathology in both adults (genetics and strabismus) and children. We currently have over 90 active research and writing projects that involve any number of our 14 physicians, 24 ophthalmology residents, pediatric ophthalmology fellow, ocular genetics fellow, genetic counselor, medical students and visiting research fellows from around the world. The Bradway Scholar manages this research and writing program, including administrative duties, project tracking, management of electronic files, obtaining informed patient consent for research projects, data collection, database construction and oversight, coordination of meetings, manuscript and grant preparation/writing/submission, Institutional Review Board submission preparation, as well as the supervision and assistance of students. Other duties are assigned as they may arise. The Bradway Scholar will manage projects ranging from bench laboratory to clinical and cover the areas of pediatric cataract, adjustment to vision loss, pediatric glaucoma, ocular genetic disorders, and all aspects of pediatric ophthalmology. Opportunities abound for the Bradway Scholar to publish and develop their curriculum vitae. The Bradway Scholar is expected to be the lead researcher on at least two projects.
In addition to hands-on research activities, a research lecture series is conducted for the benefit of all trainees on the service. The Bradway Scholar is also allocated one-half day weekly of clinical/surgical observation and the opportunity to attend a wide variety of didactic educational opportunities at Wills.
To Apply:
- A maximum one-page personal statement as to why you want to take this position and your future plans.
- Current curriculum vitae.
- Photograph of yourself (not required but very helpful).
- If you have previously published (not required), a copy of the 1-2 publications of which you are most proud.
- One letter of recommendation (two letters preferred).
All documents should be sent electronically. The recommendation letters must also be sent as hard copies on original letterhead with the original signature.
Only completed applications will be considered for interviews (offered by phone if not available to attend in person). Deadline for receipt of completed applications is February 26.
Contact
Karen Scannapieco
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics
Wills Eye Hospital
840 Walnut Street, Ste. 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5109
Email: kscannapieco@willseye.org
Wills Eye Hospital
Ocular Oncology Research Internship
This is one or two years of ocular oncology internship training before ophthalmology residency.
Duties of the research internship include: conducting clinical research projects with compilation of data in a relatively independent fashion, publication of research, assistance with related ocular oncology education, and presentation of research at meetings.
Contact
Sandra Dailey
sandy@shields.md
215-928-3129
The information in this document was obtained directly from pre-residency programs or their websites. We welcome updates, corrections, or additions as needed. Please contact Chandler.Thompson@hsc.utah.edu with any content recommendations.
Moran Eye Center Education Program Resources
News from Moran's Education Program
Past Education Focus Reports
- Education Focus 2022: Supporting and Connecting Trainees
- Education Focus 2021: The Next Chapter
- Education Focus 2020: Leading Change
- Education Focus 2019: Honing Surgical Expertise
- Education Focus 2018: One Step Ahead
- Education Focus 2016: Explore and Expand in a Top 10 Residency Program
- Education Focus 2015: The Best Kept Secret in Ophthalmology Education
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
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