COS Equity-Focused Mentorship Program

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is proud to launch the Equity-Focused Mentorship Program (COS-EFMP), an initiative designed to support and empower first- and second-year Canadian medical students from backgrounds that are under-represented in medicine (URiM). Rooted in COS’s 2022 commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, this program aims to foster early interest, guidance, and representation in the field of ophthalmology.

COS-EFMP provides meaningful mentorship opportunities for students who identify with intersectional identities—such as Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2+, and financially disempowered communities—while remaining inclusive to all applicants with lived experiences of marginalization in medicine. Whether or not participants plan to pursue ophthalmology through CaRMS, the program offers a supportive community to explore the specialty and build lasting mentorship connections.

Through this initiative, COS strives to help shape a more inclusive future for the profession—and ultimately, to enhance care and access for patients across Canada.

We are grateful to our Mentorship Committee for their leadership and support in shaping this program. Click here to learn more about the committee.

Mentee recruitment is now open!

We welcome applications from Canadian medical students (Years 1 to 2) who identify as belonging to marginalized or under-represented groups and are interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology. This program offers a unique opportunity to connect with practicing ophthalmologists, fellows, and resident physicians who are committed to supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field.

Mentor recruitment is still open!

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Equity-Focused Mentorship Program (COS-EFMP), which will run from September 2025 to July 2026. We aim to provide equity-focused and academic mentorship to under-represented, aspiring ophthalmologists through an institutionally supported program. 
 
Any practicing ophthalmologist, fellow, or resident physician within the Canadian Ophthalmology community wishing to provide allyship to marginalized and under-represented (Canadian medical students (Years 1 to 2) are welcomed. 

Sign-up to join our Listserv and receive program updates!

Whether you’re a future mentee dreaming about a career in ophthalmology or a mentor excited to help shape the next generation, we’d love to have you on board. Share your email below to receive updates about the COS Equity-Focused Mentorship Program (COS-EFMP), including news, key dates, and how to get involved.