knowledge base before first year of ophtho

[kwel]

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Just wondering, what kind of knowledge base to people walk into first year ophtho with? We really don't get much exposure to it during the preclinical years and it's definitely a steep learning curve. Is there usually a lot of formal teaching during first year of ophtho residency or are you just responsible for learning all this stuff on your own before you start? How prepared do most people feel at the beginning of PGY-2?

 

[MstaKing10]

Just wondering, what kind of knowledge base to people walk into first year ophtho with? We really don't get much exposure to it during the preclinical years and it's definitely a steep learning curve. Is there usually a lot of formal teaching during first year of ophtho residency or are you just responsible for learning all this stuff on your own before you start? How prepared do most people feel at the beginning of PGY-2?

Everyone enters first year with varying degrees of knowledge, but the expectation is for first years to NOT know a whole lot of ophthalmology but to learn a lot quickly. This will come in the form of didactic lectures, clinical and surgical experience, informal teaching by attendings and upper level residents, and a lot of reading/self learning. Similar to first few years of medical school, you will have to learn a lot of information quickly, with the distinct advantage that you will be learning what you like and have the opportunity to apply it in the clinic and operating room.

Try to get a lot of exposure to ophthalmology during medical school, both to learn ophtho but also to be sure this is what you want to do. Take every opportunity possible in clinic, OR, research and lectures. Learn exam skills like how to use lenses, indirect ophthalmoscopy etc. Learn all the internal medicine or general surgery (depending on what internship you are doing) you can during intern year because you will apply it the rest of your career. Don't bother focusing too much on ophthalmology. Then once you enter first year get ready to study and learn a lot.