Uveitis Research
Director: Gary N. Holland, MD
Fellowship Coordinator: Germán Chávez
The Uveitis Service offers an unfunded one-year International Fellowship in the study of uveitis and inflammatory eye diseases. The international fellowship prepares graduates for careers in academic ophthalmology with an emphasis on the diagnosis and management of infectious and non-infectious inflammatory diseases affecting the anterior and posterior segments, immunomodulatory therapy, and ocular imaging.
The international fellow is expected to obtain a UCLA J-1 Visa and permission from the California Medical Board to participate in clinical activities through its Section 2111 Program. The international fellow must speak English sufficiently well to communicate independently with patients and staff. The international fellow must maintain health and repatriation insurance and have adequate funds to cover living expenses for the year.
Program Description: The International Fellowship in Uveitis is a research fellowship. Eighty percent of the fellow's time is spent in uveitis research. The combined interests of the fellowship preceptor and international fellow determine specific subject areas for study. Twenty percent of the fellow's time is spent in incidental patient care related to the research program. Applicants should be proficient in the evaluation and management of patients with uveitis and inflammatory eye diseases before commencing the fellowship. One year of protected research time permits the fellow to start and end one or several meaningful research projects without the demands and distractions of full-time patient care. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to academic ophthalmology and have plans for using the fellowship training after returning home. At the completion of training, the UCLA Stein Eye Institute issues an International Fellowship certificate.
Research: The international fellow is expected to participate in several research projects during the year. The results of these investigations are presented at local and national scientific meetings, including the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), and at the Research and Alumni Day of the UCLA Stein Eye Institute. Collaboration with members of the vision science faculty can be arranged for projects of mutual interest. Excellent computer facilities, graphics services, statistical consultation, and other supportive services are available.
Research Facilities
Education Facilities
Clinical Experience: Clinical experience related to the research program is gained by working in the clinical suites of the Uveitis Service at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute. The Section 2111 appointment enables the international fellow to participate in the evaluation and management of patients in the examination suite, where a faculty preceptor will examine all patients seen by the international fellow.
Teaching: The educational experience of the international fellow is augmented by participation in UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Doheny Eye Institute courses and Grand Rounds, and by interaction with other members of the full-time and volunteer faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology. Teaching is an integral part of the international fellowship experience. The International fellow will present interesting cases at Grand Rounds, and may participate as an instructor for residents or medical students in the clinical setting. The International Fellow will participate in Uveitis Service courses (including review of the Uveitis Section of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science course), journal clubs, and other academic activities sponsored by the Uveitis Service.