HOME AWAY FROM HOME MENTORSHIP

Representation in medicine is fundamental. We recognize that underrepresentation and opportunity
gaps continue to be significant challenges within our field. We are excited to introduce the “Home
Away from Home” Award and Mentorship Program, which was created in partnership between the UCI
Department of Plastic Surgery and HBCUs without plastic surgery residency programs.
As of 2023, we are expanding to two awards. As we are proud to continue our collaboration with
HBCU medical schools, we also want to provide an opportunity for all medical students without a
home plastic surgery program. We will award two recipients this year. One from HBCU medical school
and one from any medical school without a home plastic surgery program. Financial stipend for
travel/room and board. Reimbursement for VSAS fee. Recipients will be paired with faculty and
resident meteor. An option will be provided for a letter of recommendation and guidance throughout
the application process and residency.

The mission is to increase opportunity and diversity among plastic surgery applicants by partnering a
rising 4th year medical student with a faculty and resident mentor from UCI leading up to and
potentially beyond their away rotation. Mentorship will include collaboration on research projects,
option for letter of recommendation for residency applications, and providing general guidance
throughout the application process and residency. The recipient will receive a stipend to help offset the
expenses of the away rotation and the VSAS application process.

Program Details

• 2 recipients this year
• One from HBCU medical school
• One from any medical school without a home plastic surgery program
• Financial stipend for travel, room and board
• Reimbursement for VSAS fee
• Paired with faculty and resident monitor
• Opportunity for research
• Option for letter of recommendation
• Guidance throughout application process and residency

Interested students should submit:

• CV
• USMLE scores
• Short statement describing the importance of diversity in plastic surgery training and what that means to them
• Chosen recipients will be expected to submit their appliation through VLSO

Applications due April 1st

For more information, please contact our residency coordinator, Elena Carraby: ecarraby@hs.uci.edu