About the Scholarship
At Paragon BioTeck, Inc., we strive to provide innovative, therapeutic solutions for optimal eye health, but also to recognize those who have achieved similar goals. When I embarked on my career in the ophthalmic industry years ago, I became captivated with the substantive work of ophthalmologists Paul S. Koch, MD and Robert E. Kellan, MD. Both doctors have achieved incredible success as cataract and implant surgeons; their respective tenures in the ophthalmic industry have been marked by numerous innovations in surgical techniques and technologies. During the time I have known these gentlemen, I have had the opportunity to see how their pursuits have influenced and advanced the ophthalmic profession, and moreover, elevated patient care. I invite you to get a sense of why they are two of the most prolific and distinguished ophthalmologists in the field.
– Patrick Witham, President & CEO
Paul S. Koch, MD
Dr. Paul S. Koch is the co-founder and Medical Director of Koch Eye Associates, a Claris Vision Company. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, lens and refractive surgery. He has been named to the Ophthalmology Times lists of the Top 100 Ophthalmologists and Top 15 Cataract Surgeons in North America, respectively, and cited in each issue of the Best Doctors in America. Dr. Koch is the recipient of several accolades including the Mericos H. Whittier Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Honor Award, David Kelman Foundation’s Golden Hands Award, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today’s Nordan Award, Hoffer Award (two-time recipient), International Film Festival of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Award (four-time recipient) and is expected to receive the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Senior Achievement Award in 2015.
Dr. Koch has written textbooks on cataract and corneal refractive surgery, all of which have become the standard reading materials for domestic and international residency programs. He is one of the first refractive surgeons in America, among the first phakic lens implant surgeons and one of the first surgeons to use accommodating lens implants to correct presbyopia. More recently, Dr. Koch has worked to develop new ways to treat glaucoma permanently and efficaciously without eyedrops. He is the Chief Medical Editor Emeritus for Ophthalmology Management Magazine.
Robert E. Kellan, MD
Dr. Robert E. Kellan is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and lens implant surgery. He was selected as one of Boston’s Top Doctors by Boston Magazine and has been cited in Best Doctors in America. He has made several contributions to the field of ophthalmology, designing instruments manufactured by the American Surgical Instrument Corporation, Storz Instrument Company, Visitec Company, Medical Sterile Products, and Optical Micro Systems. He is the inventor of the Tetraflex Accomodative IOL, Tetraform Phakic IOL and the Omnifocal Accomodative IOL.
Dr. Kellan has written several articles published in peer-reviewed journals and contributed content to industry publications including Ophthalmology Times, Review of Ophthalmology, EyeWorld and Ocular Surgery News.
We now call upon future ophthalmologists to become part of an emerging group of ophthalmic leaders and to continue the legacy of these industry giants.
2015 Scholar
Captain Edward E. Woodward
Captain Edward E. Woodward was named as the inaugural recipient of the Koch Kellan Scholarship earlier this year at ASCRS. In the short time that I’ve known Ed, he has stood out to me as a courageous and tenacious individual with considerable enthusiasm for ophthalmology. In light of his former career as a standout Air Force pilot and subsequent selection to the 2012 class of Tillman Military Scholars, I know that Ed has the focus and determination essential for success in the ophthalmic industry and I anticipate that he will add a unique perspective to the field of ophthalmology.
– Patrick Witham, President & CEO
Apply
Submit the online Scholarship Application form and subsequent materials by Monday, February 1, 2016.
• Carefully read Scholarship Guidelines and provide required information.
• Reference letters should be submitted directly to:
Paragon BioTeck, Inc.
Attn: Scholarship Review Committee
4640 SW Macadam Ave., Suite 80
Portland, OR 97239
FAQ
1. What is the application period?
The application period is November 1 through February 1.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens accepted to or currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate (MD) program. Applicants must be committed to a clinical, teaching and/or research career in ophthalmology and committed to attaining a degree and working in the ophthalmology field for up to five (5) years. Priority will be given to applicants with full-time status in their second or third year of medical school.
3. How many scholarships are awarded?
One (1) scholarship is awarded annually to one (1) doctoral candidate in ophthalmology.
4. What is the financial value of the Koch Kellan Scholarship?
The 2016 Koch Kellan Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $10,000. This amount will be reviewed on an annual basis and is subject to change.
5. How do I apply?
Applicants must first complete the online application form at KochKellan.com. Applicants are required to submit the following materials as part of their application package:
· Transcript sent directly from academic institution
· Two (2) letters of reference from an academic advisor or professor from a previous institution. Letters must be written or typed on academic letterhead
· A letter from their school of medicine verifying full-time enrollment. Letter must be written or typed on academic letterhead
· Letter of Application (not to exceed 750 words) including responses to the following:
– Why pursue graduate study in ophthalmology?
– Description of study plans
– Intended goals after completing the program
– Overview of academic interests and activities (coursework, interdisciplinary or independent study) you have pursued as a foundation for career goals
6. Where do I send application materials?
Application materials should be sent to:
Paragon BioTeck, Inc.
Attn: Scholarship Review Committee
4640 SW Macadam Ave. Suite 80
Portland, OR 97239
Application materials must be received or postmarked by February 1. All requested materials must be present at time of review or application will not be accepted.
7. If I have previously applied for the Koch Kellan Scholarship but did not win, can I re-apply?
Previous applicants who did not win are eligible to re-apply.
8. If I am a previous Koch Kellan Scholar, can I re-apply?
Previous recipients are not eligible to re-apply.
9. Will I be notified when my scholarship materials have been received?
You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application materials.
10. Can I fax or send materials via email?
All application materials must be mailed to the address listed above. Application materials submitted via fax or email run the risk of not being received by the Scholarship Review Committee.
11. Will my application materials be returned?
Unless otherwise noted, application materials will not be returned.
12. How are scholarship funds dispersed?
Scholarship funds will be dispersed to the recipient’s school and held in their Financial Aid Office.
13. What can I use the scholarship funds for?
Scholarship funds are for use on school tuition and fees.
14. Is there a fee to apply?
No.
15. When will the scholarship recipient be notified?
The scholarship recipient will be notified prior to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Meeting each year.
16. Will I be notified if I don’t win?
Unfortunately, we cannot contact each applicant individually; however, we encourage all of our applicants to regularly visit KochKellan.com for updates, including the announcement of our 2016 Scholar.
Contact
Paragon Gives strives to provide a comprehensive application process; however, if you have questions which cannot be answered on this site, please fill out the following form.
Further, we are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please fill out the following information and you will be contacted directly.