Diversity and inclusion are core values of the education enterprise at Vanderbilt Eye Institute. We want to do our part in increasing the pipeline of diversity of physicians entering our profession of ophthalmology and we are committed to creating a culture of inclusion through the celebration of diversity. There are two scholarship opportunities that students from diverse backgrounds can take part in.
VUMC Diversity Scholars Visiting Student Program
We here at Vanderbilt University Medical Center truly value diversity. The Diversity Scholars Visiting Student Program is designed to expose medical students from under-represented in medicine (URM) backgrounds to our clinical department and foster interest in Vanderbilt residency training programs.
This program would provide financial assistance for current fourth-year medical students to complete a four-week clerkship at Vanderbilt in one of our outstanding clinical departments. Eligible students mus be in good standing at an accredited medical school in the US, and must have a letter of recommendation submitted on their behalf from a current faculty member at their institution. Ultimate acceptance into this program is dependent upon acceptance for an away clerkship by the registrar and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Office of Enrollment Services.
Accepted students will be provided with monies to offset application fees, travel to Nashville, and housing costs during their four-week clerkship. Any questions about this program should be directed to the Office for Diversity Affairs at (615) 343-8299.
VEI URiM Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship
The Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt Eye Institute is pleased to offer a stipend for visiting URiM students to complete a 4-week rotation at Vanderbilt for select months. The stipend is intended to provide support for one visiting medical student who is underrepresented in medicine or from a diverse background who may not have been able to participate in a rotation at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute due to financial limitations. The selected student will receive a $2500 stipend to cover transportation, lodging, meals, and other necessary expenses. Applications to VSLO and completion of the request form are due May 1 at Midnight CDT. The request form is found here: https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=XRD9P8M949KYDJDH
The available months to rotate include July, August, or September. Only one student will be awarded.
**Please note, completing this form does NOT take the place of submitting a formal application through VSLO. All applicants must apply and be approved for a rotation through VSLO to be eligible to receive this stipend. Any questions about this program should be directed to the medical student program coordinator Jennifer Roberts.