Dates: June 26th – July 25th, 2023
Application Deadline: April 30, 2023
Bay Area Ophthalmology Course (BAOC) Scholarship for Medical Students from Diverse Backgrounds
The Stanford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to ensuring that our field of ophthalmology and vision research is representative of the diverse population we treat. We are aware that because ophthalmology is an early match, often students learn about the field later in their training or not at all. As such, we would like to invite medical students from diverse backgrounds, broadly defined to include participants who are URM, first-generation, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities, to apply to the BAOC course.
The Stanford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to ensuring that our field of ophthalmology and vision research is representative of the diverse population we treat. We are aware that because ophthalmology is an early match, often students learn about the field later in their medical school training or not at all. As such, we would like to invite undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, broadly defined to include participants who are URM, first generation, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities, to apply to the BAOC course.
We will offer 2 scholarships for the 2023 year and will work with you to identify specific lectures, which would be most appropriate for your interest and training level, but you are welcome to participate in the entire course!
*The scholarship will cover the course registration fee. Housing accommodation is not included, but if you live locally or wish to stay locally, you are welcome to attend the course in person at your own cost.
Bay Area Ophthalmology Course
The Bay Area Ophthalmology Course (formerly the Basic Science Course in Ophthalmology) has been offered to the vision community since 1970, presented by faculty from the four area teaching programs and recognized experts from other institutions. The course offers intensive instruction in the fundamental sciences underlying ophthalmic practice and research, including ophthalmic pathology, optics, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, orbit and oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, corneal and refractive surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and retinal surgery. Laboratory sessions are offered in pathology, optics, and phacoemulsification. Approximately seven and a half hours of instruction are offered each day, with corresponding handouts. Several evening receptions are included. The BAOC provides a strong and practical basis for residents in ophthalmology, vision scientists, and a review and update for practicing ophthalmologists. Foreign participants at every level of training are most welcome to attend.
How to Apply + Eligibility Requirements
In order to apply you will need to do the following:
- Photo Identification/School ID
- Send a copy of your medical student ID or letter from your advisor, Dean, or registrar’s office stating that you are an enrolled medical student and your expected date of graduation.
- Unofficial Transcript
- A short Statement (500 words or less) on what diversity means to you and why it is important to you
- Submit your application here: BAOC Diversity Scholarship
Decisions will be sent out to recipients by late May 2023. If you are selected as one of our scholarship recipients, we will send you notification with instructions on how to register for the course.
Contact Information
baoc-stanford@stanford.edu