Addendum regarding above-
There is simply one reason I am switching fields from ophthalmology to orthopaedics: I recognized that I enjoyed musculoskeletal anatomy and the mechanical nature of orthopaedic surgical repairs and I missed this as an ophthalmology resident. Ophthalmology is an outstanding field that offers the doctor a chance to be a physician and surgeon at the same time. The question boiled down to whether I wanted to be operating within the orbit or outside the orbit. It is was tough, but in the long run, I knew I would want to be involved in the latter.
What has made this decision excruciatingly difficult is being at the best ophthalmology residency program with the best people all around me. The training at Jules Stein is terrific and the residents that come out of this program are very highly sought after, both academically and in the community. I can recall numerous instances where community physicians would send patients with perplexing diagnostic situations to be seen at Stein thru the UCLA ER and the 2nd year resident made the correct diagnosis and instituted the right management within minutes! I know that I speak for all the first years in that we hold all our senior residents in high esteem.
Obviously, to become well trained, one must expect rigorous training. In the first year, residents become well versed in both the clinical and basic sciences through well structured didactics. There is a evening session one day a week for microsurgery, and one half day a week is protected time for grand rounds, basic and clinical science sessions that are taught by the leading faculty in their respective fields.
All this helps to create independent and confident residents who make big clinical decisions everyday which is very exciting. Plus, the program is in Los Angeles so there is always something fun minutes from the Stein.
But an even stronger point about this program is how the nice people are. As you can imagine, switching out in the middle of the year is a big deal...I was afraid of the backlash I would face. What has surprised me the most is how supportive and genuinely considerate everyone, from the residents to the faculty, have been with my decision. I think this speaks volumes in of itself.
Please email me if you have anymore questions. Thanks,
Hasan
hmsyed@gmail.com