Foundation's History and Annual Award

The Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation was established in 1991, with donations from former colleagues and patients of Dr. Michels, as a non-profit organization whose mission is to support second-year Fellows training in the area of vitreoretinal surgery in the United States. The Foundation continues to be supported by contributions from individuals and foundations that are dedicated to educational excellence in ophthalmology.

The Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation Award is granted annually to one or more outstanding second-year vitreoretinal fellow(s) currently training in the United States. Candidates for the Award are to complete and submit an application form as well as a CV, photo and five letters of recommendation no later than September 25th. Please instruct those writing letters of recommendation to email them to karen.baranick@medconfs.com no later than September 25th. A review panel comprised of noted physicians, educators and scientists will review the materials submitted and will rank all applications. These rankings are then submitted to the Foundation's Board of Directors to determine the award recipient(s).

The recipient(s) of the Fellowship Award is notified just prior to the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and will be awarded a cash stipend. Recipients are requested to attend the Annual Meeting of the Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation, which is held during the week of the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, if possible, and to give a brief introduction of themselves to the audience. The Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation Annual Meeting brings together supporters of the Foundation and previous Michels Award winners and offers and informal opportunity to socialize, strengthen relationships, and review the accomplishments of the organization.