RESOURCE Mentoring Program

The Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program was created to engage and interest ophthalmology residents from underrepresented populations^* in research and in pursuing careers in the retina subspecialty through dedicated mentoring exposure. The program will pair ophthalmology residents from underrepresented backgrounds with Retina Society mentors, with the goal of providing the residents with research and career mentorship.

We are seeking ophthalmology resident applicants for this program. Up to four ophthalmology residents will be selected in the Fall of 2025 to be paired with a primary mentor and secondary mentor(s) based on research interests and geographic location. The project may be based at mentee’s home institution (e.g, retrospective chart review, collaboration with home institution mentor, etc.) or at the mentor’s institution if feasible.

Mentors will work with their designated mentees on research projects that will be presented at the Retina Society Annual Meeting in 2026 and submitted for publication consideration. Mentors and mentees will be acknowledged at the Retina Society Annual Meeting.

Program Timeline

• Mentee applications due September 30, 2025
• Mentees selected and paired with Mentors by October 31, 2025
• Research Project Proposal due to RESOURCE Committee by December 15, 2025
• Research abstract submission to Retina Society Annual Meeting due date (March 31, 2026)

Reimbursed Expenses

The program will reimburse expenses directly related to the conduct of research up to $2500 including statistical support (e.g., biostatistician fees), publication fees, and related materials needed to conduct the research excluding electronic hardware (e.g., laptops, tablets, storage media, etc.) and software. The program will also reimburse travel-related expenses and registration fees up to $2500 for attendance at the Retina Society Annual Meeting.

Please email your completed application to Miguel Ocque (mocque@mms.org) if you are interested in being a part of this program by the September 30th deadline.

^*The American Association of Medical Colleges definition of underrepresented in medicine is: "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population." We define the following groups as underrepresented: Black (African American or African), Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. We will also be considering applicants from LGBTQIA+ and socioeconomically underprivileged backgrounds.