Funded by an NIH K12 grant, the K12 Clinician Vision Scientist Program is another pivotal opportunity in the Department's strategy to cultivate a new generation of visionary clinician-scientists. This initiative reflects our commitment to integrating cutting-edge research with comprehensive clinical training, aligned with the expertise and overarching goals of our diverse specialist community. The K12 Program, running robustly at Penn for 19 years within one of the NEI's top-funded departments, allows selected scholars to dedicate a substantial 75% of their efforts to research. With a focus on a myriad of critical areas—for instance, the mechanisms of ocular aging and cellular rejuvenation—the program aims to equip its participants with both the holistic support and skills necessary to transition to significant NIH awards such as the K08 or K23 within three years, and an R01 within six years. Many K12 alumni, including Drs. Aleman, Binenbaum, Vanderbeek, Qi, Ross, and Uyhazi, have continued to build their careers here within the Department of Ophthalmology, contributing to our robust reputation as a leader in ophthalmic research and education. Their resultant fulfilled career paths prove the K12 Program's success in fostering high-caliber clinician-scientists who continue to make impactful strides at Penn and in ophthalmology at large.
The K12 Clinician Vision Scientist and iPOWER programs are key to Scheie's 360° expansion strategy. Both of these initiatives exemplify the Department of Ophthalmology’s concrete dedication to nurturing talent that will continue to advance our field, ensuring that we maintain a unique vision to be at the forefront of ophthalmic education and research nationwide—as we have historically achieved.
by Maressa Park