OMEF Conference Assistance Grant

The 2026 cycle is now open!

About the OMEF Conference Assistance Grant

Launched in March 2022, the purpose of this grant is to help cover costs associated with attending a medical conference.  Eligible students may apply for a one-time grant of $500-$800 reimbursement of expenses like transportation, lodging, meals, registration fees, etc. Grant amounts are determined by the time zone of the conference host site.

Eligibility - Leadership

Students enrolled in an Oregon-based PA, DO, or MD program who can demonstrate they will be attending in a leadership capacity and are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply.  

Examples of leadership at conference include but are not limited to: being selected to present research, being a lead organizer of the event itself, or chapter representative/part of an official delegation/executive/voting/competitive contingent.  

In addition, preference may be given to applicants who are: 

• From URiM backgrounds
• Unable to attend without financial assistance 
• Have not received support from OMEF before
• Planning to practice in Oregon after graduation
• Passionate about helping rural, underserved or URiM communities

Our goal is to help as many individuals as possible gain leadership experience and so, with rare exceptions, students are unlikely to receive this more than once during their medical education.

Lastly, student membership in the Oregon Medical Association is required: www.theoma.org/join.  Your membership number is required on the application.

Application Requirements 

1. To start your online application, click the "Apply now" button!  No login is necessary but you will need to submit all materials in one session; progress will not be saved.  

A complete application includes: 

• A personal statement describing why you chose this conference, in what capacity you will participate, your leadership goals/outcomes that attendance will support, and the impact it could have on your professional development.  

• A high-level travel budget & other financial support received/applied for.

• A letter of good academic standing from your institution’s Registrar.

2. If approved, to receive reimbursement students must submit a written summary of their leadership experience at the event, a photo of them engaging in a professional manner, and copies of their itemized receipts, all due within 30 days of their return.

Applications are accepted year-round & decisions made monthly. 

Funds are limited so students should apply early (no less than 6 weeks before the conference begins); requests for funding of past conferences or "rush" applications will not be considered.  Cash advances are not available.  

Thank you for your interest!  Any questions, please feel free to email us.