question from an MSII

[4424]

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Please don't jump all over me with this question, but it is an honest one. I am interested in ophthalmology and plan on taking an elective in my third year to get more of an idea of what it's like.

As ophthalmologists, do you ever feel like you're less of a doctor because of how focused the eye is? I know a lot of medical conditions manifest with eye problems and as an ophthalmologist you have to be aware of these, but I was just wondering if anyone felt like they lose a lot of the general medical skills?

I know it's somewhat like that in any specialty, but from what I have heard it seems like ophthalmology is it's own world.

Thanks for any opinions in advance.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Do you think cardiologists are less of a physician because all they care about is the heart? Or neurosurgeons are less of a physician because they only do brain surgery?

When you see some of the stuff I see, you'll understand that it takes a lot to be an Eye Physician & Surgeon: www.eyerounds.org/cases.htm

Good luck! 😀

 

[Fantasy Sports]

Do you think cardiologists are less of a physician because all they care about is the heart? Or neurosurgeons are less of a physician because they only do brain surgery?

When you see some of the stuff I see, you'll understand that it takes a lot to be an Eye Physician & Surgeon: www.eyerounds.org/cases.htm

Good luck! 😀

I like your new sig (or at least the modification of it) Dr. Doan 😀 👍

 

[abu barney]

The big problem is that people confuse you with optometrists. I told my wife I want to do ophthalmology, she asked me if I would be the guy that makes the glasses at wal-mart! (and their work is greatly appreciated).

If you want to be a mediocre specialist doc isolated in your own little world, you can probably make your way through any field like that. But any good specialist physician or surgeon has a broad base of medical knowledge and is not afraid to exercise it in regular clinical practice. Besides few fields combine medical and surgical knowledge as much as ophtho, esp those uveitis people, they're freaky smart!

 

[FP2EYE]

Besides few fields combine medical and surgical knowledge as much as ophtho, esp those uveitis people, they're freaky smart!

I would have to agree with abu. I'm in family medicine and have been impressed with the medical knowledge base of many ophthalmologists I've worked with. A strong foundation in a variety of systemic diseases is essential in screening for, treating, and preventing ocular sequelae. In fact, this broad medical exposure coupled with highly skilled surgery has pulled myself into the Ophthalmology match this upcoming year 😀