Ophthalmology and Service Opportunities

[James105]

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Hello Eye forum,

As your first input was very valuable to me, I have another question. I have always had interest in global health, and I have done some work completing research in global health. Therefore, it is something that I would like to continue while building my practice. In addition, I think it would be very rewarding to help the underserved in my own neighborhood. So to that end, I have a couple of questions.

1. Are you able to complete global health activities? If so, what role do you serve (ie, do you do surgeries, do you run public health projects, etc)?
2. What ways do you serve the underserved communities in your practice? (ie, can you help at a free clinic, do probono surgeries, etc?)

Thank you again for your input!

 

[Big Papi MD]

1. Yes. I am an applicant and I have had opportunities to work with ophthalmologists from the U.S. in Latin America. I served as an interpreter primarily, and there was plenty to do for the non-Spanish speakers who wanted to help (taking vitals, transporting patients, etc.). It is my understanding that 3rd year residents will often do surgeries abroad. Most programs I have interviewed with seem to support global health work (often on your vacation time), and some even have a global health elective built into their curriculum for those interested.
2. I think most large academic programs will serve members of the community who are uninsured/underinsured. As far as private ophthalmologists' involvement with the care of underserved patients goes, I think they can do as many reduced-price or free surgeries as their schedule/budget allows.

 

[linevasel]

This - 'What Big Papi MD said'
&
This - Geoff Taber
And that is just tip of the iceberg.
We are probably one of the most service friendly specialties in medicine.
And one of the most needed as well.

As for service on the domestic front. The opportunities are probably not as obvious, but disparities exist all around. The only limit is your willingness