The Program In Lasting Leadership and Academic Representation (PILLAR) is established and supported by the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University and the National Medical Association’s Rabb-Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Program. This 3-day (2-night) intensive, in-person mentorship program targets ophthalmology residents who are underrepresented in medicine (as a starting point, please see AAMC definition, linked here).

The PILLAR program focuses on various career pathways within academic ophthalmology, how to make the most of residency to successfully navigate into fellowship and academic careers, the joys and challenges of these career pathways, and other topics such as negotiating for a job, academic promotion, work-life integration, etc. 

Led by ophthalmology faculty from around the country, we hope to provide a meaningful and informative mentoring experience to help guide ophthalmology residents along their career paths!

This year's PILLAR retreat will take place:

Friday, September 29,
through
Sunday October 1, 2023

at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, CA

Roundtrip airfare, 2 nights of hotel lodging, and all meals during program hours will be covered by the program. 

Eligibility to Apply:

All participants must be ophthalmology residents enrolled in a program and PGY1-4 (as of September 2023). Preference will be given to PGY2 residents.

* This program is intended for persons who identify as underrepresented in medicine (as a starting point, please see AAMC definition, linked here). This may include, but is not limited to, racial or ethnic identity, persons with a disability, persons who identify as LGBTQIA+, or those from marginalized backgrounds. 

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to: eye-chair-office@stanford.edu

**Apply below today!**