Residency Program
The UCSF PROMOTE Program
The UCSF Program in Resident Opportunities for Mentored Ophthalmic Training in Experimentation (PROMOTE) offers a transformative opportunity for ophthalmology and optometry residents to develop as clinician-scientists. By combining world-class mentorship, cutting-edge research training, and tailored career development, PROMOTE equips participants with the clinical expertise and scientific skills to drive advancements in vision research and care.
PROMOTE aims to attract talented residents to the clinician-scientist pathway. Participants engage in high-quality mentored research projects, receive formal training in methodology and leadership, and build impactful, longitudinal mentorship relationships. The program also prepares residents to successfully compete for prestigious early-career development awards such as K grants.
Residents choose one of four specialized research tracks:
- Track 1. Epidemiology, RCTs, and Global Health: Focus on large-scale clinical trials and public health initiatives.
- Track 2. Basic and Translational Vision Sciences: Investigate molecular, genetic, and regenerative aspects of vision, as well as translational applications of basic science findings.
- Track 3. Innovation and Bioengineering: Develop groundbreaking technologies to address unmet clinical needs.
- Track 4. Data science, digital health, AI: Leverage data science, AI, mHealth, deep learning, and statistical modeling to tackle vision health studies.
Participants dedicate 1-2 years to mentored research (80% research, 20% clinical), complemented by individualized didactics, training in responsible research conduct, and career development workshops. Clinical activities are integrated to maintain and enhance clinical skills.
Residents will complete the PGY-1 and PGY-2 years of the traditional program, then begin their mentored research year with 80% research and 20% clinical time, supported by the NIH R-38 program. The 20% clinical time will include both comprehensive ophthalmology as well as the subspecialty of their choice. There will be no on call responsibilities during the R-38 year. Following the R-38 year they will return to the traditional PGY-3 year to finish the residency. There is an option for an additional funded research year at the end of PGY-4.
- Access to NIH/NEI-funded preceptors with exceptional mentorship records.
- Collaboration with UCSF’s renowned Department of Ophthalmology and the Francis I. Proctor Foundation.
- Connections with interdisciplinary experts across UCSF and the Bay Area biotech community.
- Proven pathways to academic success, including publications, presentations, and grant awards.
UCSF is committed to building a community and nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. We in the Department of Ophthalmology fully espouse those values and strive to create a supportive educational community which allows each of our learners to reach his or her learning potential.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community. https://opportunity.ucsf.edu/about/pride-values
In accordance with Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, health, or disability. For detailed information, please visit the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.