The Open DOOR Away-Rotation
The Emory Eye Center's Open DOOR program underwrites some of the expense that makes away-electives too costly for many medical students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Fourth-year medical students who are interested in exploring ophthalmology through the Open DOOR program should apply in January of 2025.
What is the Open DOOR?
The Open DOOR (Diversity and Opportunity in Ophthalmology Rotation) program is a financially supported ophthalmology rotation at the Emory Eye Center that is open to medical students (MS4s) who are considering an application to an ophthalmology residency program. The accepted student will receive a $3,000 stipend to offset expenses. Participation in the program is limited to one student each year.
Who should apply for an Open DOOR?
The program provides an 'away elective' to medical students from groups that are underrepresented in the field of ophthalmology - particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Candidates should self-identify as a member of a group that is considered underrepresented in medicine as defined by AAMC or consider themselves from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background.
The successful candidate must be accepted as an away rotator at Emory through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) as well as to the Emory Open DOOR program.
What should an Open DOOR candidate expect?
This rotation exposes students to a thriving academic eye center and helps them to explore a possible career in ophthalmology. Accepted student will receive:
- A resident mentor
- Broad exposure to ophthalmology through two-week rotations at Grady Eye Center and the Atlanta VA
- Exposure to educational activities at Emory in the Department of Ophthalmology
- In-person exposure to clinical sites at Emory
- An opportunity to meet with residency leaders in the Emory Eye Center
- A $3000 stipend upon successful completion of the experience
What are the application requirements?
Candidates should meet the following criteria for the next (2025) internship:
- Current enrollment at an accredited US medical school
- Anticipated graduation of spring 2026
- Self-identify as a member of a group underrepresented in medicine as defined by AAMC OR considers themselves from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background
- Completion of attached application
- Letter of support / recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae
What is the application process?
The application for the 2025 Open DOOR internship will open in January of 2025. Please check back then to fill out an application.