Dr. Ramon L. Ruiz Endowed Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery

This $75,000 fellowship supports a young oral and maxillofacial surgeon who shares Dr. Ruiz’s passion for treating cleft lips and palates, craniosynostosis and complex craniofacial deformities.

The Dr. Ramon L. Ruiz Endowed Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery honors the legacy of Dr. Ruiz, a visionary leader in pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery. The fellowship is intended for a surgeon participating in a program that offers a comprehensive scope of cleft, craniofacial and pediatric OMS training. It aims to prepare future leaders in the discipline—those committed to excellence in pediatric care, research and education.

Purpose of the Award:

  1. The Dr. Ramon L. Ruiz Endowed Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery honors the memory of Dr. Ramon L. Ruiz, who dedicated his career to advancing pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery, particularly in the areas of cleft lip and palate repair, craniosynostosis and complex craniofacial deformities.
  2. The award aims to support a fellow in receiving comprehensive training in pediatric craniofacial surgery and to train the future leaders in the discipline of pediatric cleft and craniofacial surgery, leaders devoted to excellence in pediatric care, research and education.

How to Apply

View Guidelines
Apply Online

Have Questions?

Please contact us at [email protected] for further information.

Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements
  1. Applicants must have completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery training program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  2. Applicants must have secured a position in an accredited craniofacial fellowship program.
  3. The applicant must be a fellow or member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).
  4. The applicant must be a donor of the OMS Foundation.
  5. The applicant must be a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States or its possessions and territories and have been lawfully admitted to the United States or Canada for permanent residence.
  6. Commitment to pursuing a career in pediatric cleft craniofacial surgery.
Conditions of the Award
  1. The maximum disbursement of the award will be $75,000.
  2. The award will be offered for a period of 12 months.
  3. The period of the award will begin July 1.
  4. The fellowship award will be disbursed directly to the recipient to support their expenses during the cleft and craniofacial fellowship.
  5. The award may be used to support travel to a national or international meeting to present on your fellowship experience.
Application Procedures
  1. All applications must be submitted online via the OMS Foundation award management software.
  2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including educational background, professional experience, publications, and presentations.
  3. Personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining their career goals, interest in craniofacial surgery.
  4. Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment in a craniofacial fellowship program.
  5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional achievements, emphasizing their potential for contribution to craniofacial surgery.
Review Procedures
  1. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the OMS Foundation.
  2. The committee will evaluate each application based on academic and professional achievements and commitment to cleft craniofacial surgery.
  3. The OMS Foundation Board of Directors will, at its sole discretion, select the Endowed Fellow awardee from recommendations provided by the selection committee.