Seth Fortmann, a MD/PhD student in the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at UAB, has been named the recipient of a F30 NIH Fellowship Award from the National Eye Institute. This grant, which underwent study section review and was scored favorably by expert scientists, totals $208,840 and will fund Fortmann’s training through May 2025. Fortmann is currently conducting research alongside Maria B. Grant, MD, in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, where he is studying the molecular mechanisms that underlie prevalent retinal diseases, specifically age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
“To receive this distinguished award is an incredible honor,” said Fortmann. “Maria [Grant] has been instrumental to my success with this fellowship, and I have become a better scientist, student doctor, and person by having her as my PhD advisor. This award was made possible through the UAB Vision Science PhD program, which is led by Dr. Lawrence Sincich, who has done an incredible job crafting a program that is student-centric and focused on providing the next generation of vision scientists with the skills necessary to excel in the field.”
Fortmann also credits his successful application for this award to the UAB Medical Scientist Training Program. “Through the grant workshop courses led by our director, Dr. Talene Yacoubian, as well as the hands-on help I received with my grant from assistant director Randy Seay, I was able navigate the NIH grant process to put together my strongest application,” said Fortmann. “Drs. Christine Curcio and Christopher Girkin of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, were also instrumental in guiding me to a successful submission. I am very grateful to be part of a team of world-renowned scientists who truly value the success of their students.”
Originally from Maryland, Fortmann began his studies in biology at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. After completing his undergraduate degree, he received a position at John Hopkins Hospital as a research technician working under Dr. Peter A. Campochiaro of the Wilmer Eye Institute.
Fortmann plans to use this opportunity as an important steppingstone in his career as he looks to further his training in science and medicine. His short-term career goal is to complete a residency in ophthalmology and train as a retinal surgeon. In the long-term, Fortmann intends to join an academic medical center as a physician-scientist, to practice ophthalmology and conduct a laboratory that studies the retinal diseases that he treats in the clinic.
Fortmann credits UAB with his early-career success. “UAB has been a wonderful place to train as a young scientist and student doctor. The university is bustling with expert investigators who are eager to collaborate and transfer knowledge. The hospital is a major academic hub that serves much of the Southeast and thereby, allows exposure to a plethora of cases to learn from. I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to be here at UAB.”