fellowship or comprehensive?

[RestoreSight]

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So for as long as I can remember I've been set on a fellowship after residency followed by a career in academics. I recently received a great job offer from a family friend in a comprehensive practice in a busy urban area that is making me question whether a fellowship is necessary anymore. My question is, can a busy comprehensive doc do as well or better than say, a busy retina doc in private practice? What kind of questions would be prudent to ask?

 

[JMK2005]

What fellowship where you interested in? Do you enjoy the variety of comprehensive?

 

[RestoreSight]

I was considering either medical or surgical retina. I do enjoy the variety of comprehensive, especially cataract, but I have heard staying busy can be a problem in a busy market.

 

[JMK2005]

So for as long as I can remember I've been set on a fellowship after residency followed by a career in academics. I recently received a great job offer from a family friend in a comprehensive practice in a busy urban area that is making me question whether a fellowship is necessary anymore. My question is, can a busy comprehensive doc do as well or better than say, a busy retina doc in private practice? What kind of questions would be prudent to ask?

there's a big difference between retina versus comphrensive. the real question is if you'd be happy with retina only or comprehensive (cataracts, dry eyes , basic retina/oculoplatics/glaucoma).

If you have a good opportunity with your friend, you can do well as comprehensive. just don't let your guard down. even a "family friend" has the potential to give you a bad deal.

 

[MstaKing10]

I was considering either medical or surgical retina. I do enjoy the variety of comprehensive, especially cataract, but I have heard staying busy can be a problem in a busy market.

Staying busy can be a problem in any sub-specialty. You will not be busier simply because you did a fellowship. You have to love what you do. Retina and comprehensive ophthalmology are surprisingly different. You should be sure you like one or the other before pursing a fellowship in retina. Cornea and glaucoma would be more appropriate if what you like is general ophthalmology but want a little something extra to market yourself. Other specialties like peds, retina, oculoplastics etc are quite a bit different and should be considered only if you like the field. I guess medical retina might be an exception.