Student Outreach and Research (SOAR) Fellowship

Pediatric glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in children throughout the world. The Samuel & Ethel Balkan International Pediatric Glaucoma Center is the world’s first tertiary care center dedicated to the research and treatment of children and infants with anterior segment anomalies. The Balkan Center provides funding, oversight, and administrative support for the SOAR Fellowship Program.

It is a 1-year program focused on principles of research from exposure to international programs for blindness prevention, ocular genetics, community outreach, biostatistics, and manuscript writing. Fellows are given direct access to Balkan Center leadership for mentoring and are expected to participate in all educational programs offered at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Travel for the purpose of international, approved projects is funded. Travel to professional meetings both national and international for the presentation of peer-reviewed abstracts is also funded. Highlights include professional advancement, training, and access to an expansive educational resource.

STIPEND AND BENEFITS:

Although SOAR is considered a learning opportunity, a reasonable stipend (for University of Miami Medical Students) or salary (for external candidates) is offered to offset living expenses:

• Stipend $35,000
• Salary $41,000
• Travel sponsorship is provided for all accepted peer-reviewed published abstracts at national and international conferences
• Travel as a part of international outreach research projects is funded

Upon completion of the Fellowship, scholars will receive a Director’s Certificate of Distinction.

Learn more on our website: https://www.childhoodglaucoma....

Prerequisites:

Established in 2018, the SOAR Fellowship provides opportunities for medical students, ophthalmologists, and researchers, early in their careers, to collaborate and foster a passion for vision research.

Candidates with limited research experience are encouraged to apply, and applications from across the United States and around the world will be considered. There are no citizenship requirements. Should you require visa sponsorship, please allow up to 6 months for processing.

How To Apply:

Up to 4 fellowship positions are available per year. Each applicant must provide:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover Letter
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation

Applications are due by Friday, February 3!

Interviews will be held the week of February 13, and decisions will be released on February 24.