In this issue:
- Apply for the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program!
- Study: Understanding Life Course and Career Decisions of STEMM Trainee Spouses
- Peer to Peer: Tip of the Month
Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring
Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring is a program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in partnership with the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO).
The purpose of the program is to increase diversity in ophthalmology by helping underrepresented in medicine (UIM) students become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants. Students receive one-on-one mentorship, valuable guidance in medical career planning, networking opportunities, and access to a variety of educational resources.
Program Eligibility: We are seeking UIM students who are in their first year during the 2024-2025 academic year in an LCME or COCA accredited U.S. allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical school.
The mentoring program’s working definition of underrepresented in medicine (UIM) students include those who are Black, Hispanic, and/or Native American (American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian) or two or more races when one or more are from the preceding racial and ethnic categories listed.
The 2025 program application is now open.
Final Deadline: February 15, 2025, 5pm PT
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact mentoring@aao.org.
Seeking MS1 and MS2 students to participate in a study: Trailing Spouses Understanding Life Course and Career Decisions of STEMM Trainee Spouses
Study Objective:
Investigate how the career trajectory of STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) trainees (PhD or MD) influences the career decisions of their trailing romantic partner, addressing a gap in understanding these dynamics in academic and medical training.
Time Commitment:
The time commitment for UW medical students is minimal. You’re only being asked to give the invitation to your romantic partners. The romantic partners who accept the invitation will complete a 15-minute survey and, if interested, a 60– minute interview.
Compensation:
There is no compensation/incentive for UW student involvement. Romantic partners who are interviewed will receive a $50 gift card.
You can complete the survey here:http://tinyurl.com/MDspouse.
Peer to Peer: Tip of the Month from Career Advising
This advice is for all students and includes first generation and BIPOC student lenses.
MS1: The CVS block can be demanding and time-consuming! In previous years, a lot of students benefited from attending the weekly group sessions hosted by peer tutors! If unable to attend live, you can watch the session recordings that cover high-yield concepts from class: https://education.uwmedicine.org/student-affairs/academic-support/tutoring/.
Additionally, remember that all the physicians teaching and mentoring you at this stage are possible resources beyond the classroom. Get to know your small group leads! You can always ask them about their specialty and how they decided on a specialty when they were in your shoes!
- Reviewed by MS4 Abraham Correa-Medina. Originally written by alum Shanelle Briggs, MD.
We welcome tips and ideas from all students. Please reach out to Career Advising at medadv@uw.edu.
ICYMI: Here’s the previous MS1 newsletter.