Otana Jakpor, M.D., M.Sc., Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, was inspired to set the stage for the U-M Kellogg Eye Center Global Ophthalmology Academic Track (GOAT) program after attending the Global Ophthalmology Summit Conference in Atlanta in 2023. “A standard global ophthalmology curriculum framework was presented,” says Dr. Jakpor. “One of the residents, Delaram Mirzania, turned to me and said, ‘We should have this at Kellogg.’ I replied, ‘You’re right.’” Dr. Jakpor worked with a group of residents and faculty to initiate plans for the GOAT program, an optional honors track within the ophthalmology residency program for Kellogg residents interested in global health. The program is designed to leverage Kellogg’s strong resources and connections in global ophthalmology, making these resources fully available to interested residents. The GOAT program provides education, mentorship, and experiences in global ophthalmology to foster future leaders in the field. This track is part of the larger global ophthalmology resident curriculum at Kellogg, and it complements opportunities for international rotations in diverse global health settings. Curriculum development and structure are based on the pillars of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s standard global ophthalmology curriculum framework. Drafted by Dr. Jakpor and refined with input from faculty, program leadership, and interested residents, the curriculum was approved by the Graduate Medical Education Committee. “This curriculum provides a sprinkling of global health for everybody, including global ophthalmology ethics pre-grand rounds, grand rounds, and a global ophthalmology journal club for all residents to ensure exposure for everyone,” she says. Dr. Jakpor is delighted to see how the program has sparked conversation within the GOAT cohorts. “The best part of the GOAT program is the GOATs themselves and the connections that they form with their colleagues,” she says. “The goal is to empower diverse career paths. My hope is that, whether people go on to work mainly in the United States or abroad, they will have lessons they can apply.” The program emphasizes reciprocal partnerships, flexible learning, and resident-driven improvements to education, along with a commitment to preparing ophthalmologists to make a meaningful impact, locally and globally. “GOAT illustrates U-M’s leadership in global health-focused medical education. Working on this project has been an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Dr. Jakpor.