Fellowship at a Glance

• Two-year, full-time commitment
• Room and board provided
• Competitive salary
• Completion bonus after the second year
• Annual travel support for an approved professional meeting, including airfare, lodging, meals, and registration
• Certificate upon successful completion

Training and International Learning

International ophthalmologists support the COLF faculty and provide on-site teaching and supervision for approximately 10 to 14 weeks each year. Fellows also participate in structured academic activities throughout the program.

• Weekly Grand Rounds featuring surgical and clinical case presentations
• Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) materials
• Journal clubs sponsored by U.S. faculty
• At least 25 conferences or webinars each year, including Cybersight learning opportunities
• A goal of 40 continuing medical education hours each year
• Written progress reviews from faculty
• Attendance at one international ophthalmology meeting each year, with partial funding provided

Research

Fellows are expected to complete at least one research project during the program. They are encouraged to present their work at regional or international academic meetings and to pursue publication.

Applicant Qualifications

The fellowship is demanding and is best suited for candidates who are prepared for an intensive clinical and surgical training experience. Applicants should have:

• Broad ophthalmology training and clinical experience
• A documented surgical volume of 60 to 100 cases, including phacoemulsification, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), and small-incision cataract surgery (SICS)
• Certification from supervisors confirming basic surgical competency
• The ability to submit all application materials in English
• The availability to complete a five-day observational visit at COLF as part of the selection process

How to Apply

Submit the following materials in English:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing your interest in the fellowship
• Three letters of recommendation
• Observational visit to the Centro Oftalmológico La Familia

Application Deadlines

• October 1 for a January 1 start date
• March 1 for a June 1 start date

Send application materials to the Fellowship Coordinator at lafamiliaeyecenter@hdlff.org.

To arrange the required five-day observational visit, contact the Eye Center Coordinator at coordinacioncolf@hospitaldelafamilia.org.

Program Directors

Claudia Terraza, MD, Co-Director, Centro Oftalmológico La Familia
Melanie Gil, MD, Co-Director, Centro Oftalmológico La Familia

Andrew Sorenson, MD, Co-Chair, Centro Oftalmológico La Familia Department
Jorge Hernandez, MD, Co-Chair, Centro Oftalmológico La Familia Department

Hospital Location

Centro Oftalmológico La Familia
La Familia Eye Center
Hospital de la Familia
Nuevo Progreso, S.M., Guatemala