IAOMS Foundation | 2027–2028

IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars Program

Short-term international observerships. Broader perspective. Knowledge that travels home.

The IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars Program supports oral and maxillofacial surgeons seeking focused, short-term observational learning at leading OMS training centers around the world.

During a 2–4 week observership, Visiting Scholars observe clinical practice, participate in educational activities, study approaches used by experienced OMS teams and build relationships with faculty and peers across regions. Selected Scholars may receive a scholarship of up to USD $5,000 to help support travel and living expenses.

Scholars return home with new perspectives, professional connections and practical insights they can share with colleagues and apply within their institutions and communities.

2027–2028 Visiting Scholars Program at a Glance

Focused Global Learning

About the Visiting Scholars Program

The IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars Program offers a flexible pathway for oral and maxillofacial surgeons who want to broaden their perspective through a focused international learning experience without committing to a long-term fellowship.

Visiting Scholars spend approximately two to four weeks observing clinical teams, attending teaching sessions and learning how leading OMS departments approach patient care, multidisciplinary collaboration and professional education.

What Does the Visiting Scholars Program Provide?

Global Training Network

Explore IAOMS-Affiliated Training Centers

Visiting Scholar observerships take place at leading OMS centers worldwide. Applicants can use the IAOMS Red Book, the association’s online directory of affiliated training facilities, to explore potential training environments.

If approved, Scholars are required to provide a letter of confirmation from the host Training Center.

Explore IAOMS Training Facilities in the Red Book

Global Reach

See the Visiting Scholars Program in Action

The 2026–2027 IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars cohort includes surgeons from Mexico, Israel, India, Malaysia and Sudan pursuing observership opportunities in Belgium, Austria, the United States, the United Kingdom and Spain.

Meet the 2026–2027 IAOMS Foundation Fellows & Visiting Scholars

Who Should Apply?

The Visiting Scholars Program is designed for oral and maxillofacial surgeons seeking a short-term, high-impact international learning experience that can broaden professional perspective and strengthen knowledge-sharing at home.

Strong candidates should:

• Seek focused observational learning in an international OMS setting
• Be interested in learning from different clinical and educational approaches
• Value international professional collaboration and networking
• Be committed to sharing lessons learned with colleagues upon return
• Plan to use the experience to strengthen OMS education, practice or patient care within their home institution or community

Who Is Eligible for the 2027–2028 Visiting Scholars Program?

Applicants must:

• Be a current IAOMS member with at least two years of membership, meaning membership since October 2024 for the 2027–2028 application cycle.
• Commit to maintaining active IAOMS membership through December 31, 2028.
• Have completed basic oral and maxillofacial surgery training by June 30, 2026 and be within five years of completing that training at the time of application.
• Be prepared to complete a 2–4 week observership.
• Submit a written report to the IAOMS Foundation within two months of returning.
• Agree to share their Visiting Scholar experience through IAOMS Foundation communications, which may include interview, photograph and/or video.

What Is Required to Apply?

Applicants should prepare the required materials before beginning the online application.

1. Online Application
   Complete the official 2027–2028 IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholar Program application.
2. Department Head Letter
   Provide a letter from your Department Head confirming approved leave for the proposed observership dates.
3. IAOMS Member Recommendation
   Provide one letter of recommendation from an IAOMS member.
4. Curriculum Vitae
   Submit a current CV.
5. Professional Headshot
   Provide a recent professional photograph.
6. If Approved: Host Training Center Confirmation
   Approved applicants must provide a letter of confirmation from the host Training Center.

2027–2028 Application Timeline

Applications Open

Expand Your Perspective

Learn from a leading international OMS team, build relationships across borders and bring new insights home to your colleagues, institution and patients.

Apply for the IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars Program

Applications close Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

IAOMS Membership Is Required

Applicants must be current IAOMS members for a minimum of two years, since October 2026, and commit to IAOMS membership through December 31, 2028.

Join or Renew IAOMS Membership

Questions About the Visiting Scholars Program?

For questions about the IAOMS Foundation Visiting Scholars Program or application process, contact Caryn Adolph at cadolph@iaoms.org .