Residency Programs with International Opportunities

[DilatedPeoples]

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I was wondering if anyone was familiar with any residency programs that had rotation opportunities abroad, or offered training in Community Eye Health or Tropical Medicine. The only program I'm aware of that takes pride in this is George Washington, which has a rotation in England, as well as "rotations in less developed nations elsewhere." I even heard the normal Program Director is actually taking a year off to do international work. Thanks!

 

[rubensan]

USC has a pretty cool program where they send their 2nd year residents to Calexico, Mexico a few weekends a month for a general ophthalmology clinic. They arrange for patients needing surgery to have it done in Los Angeles.

I think CPMC in San Francisco gives their 3rd year residents the opportunity to do a 1 month international elecitve (India or South America if I recall)...double check this.

Ruben

 

[nazkaz]

i am not positive, but Henry Ford may have international elective opportunities.

 

[golgi]

I think Colorado and St.Vincent's in NY might have em.

 

[JJMD]

the thing is that the programs that send their residents abroad do so b/c they can't get enough surgical numbers at home.

this is a good or bad thing, depending on your desire to do international ophthalmology.

it may be far easier to seek out local ophthalmologist unaffiliated with your program who work abroad, and discuss opportunities with them.

i am going to work for ORBIS for a year after finishing residency.

 

[Morton]

the thing is that the programs that send their residents abroad do so b/c they can't get enough surgical numbers at home.

There are a number of programs that send residents out of the state or country to boost surgical numbers. There's a difference, though, between a program that sends residents abroad to get more surgical experience and a program that has international elective opportunities. Like Ruben pointed out, residents at CPMC can do an elective month abroad and a lot of them take advantage of it. It has nothing to do with surgical numbers as most residents end up with tons of surgeries regardless.

CPMC also has a staggered start and residents can do international work before and/or after their residency. One of my co-residents who wants to have an international career really wanted to start in November so he could spend time abroad.

 

[TropicalFish]

Loma Linda takes pride in providing international opportunities for residents. It is not required, but highly encouraged that R3's go on missions w/ faculty or outside ophthalmologists (not because there is a shortage of #'s). I don't know all the details but I am looking forward to going to Puerto Rico or Mexico in 2 yrs!

 

[GregO]

Buffalo has a similiar elective - last year two of the senior residents went to Sierra Leone. It is entirely elective and is not needed for surgical numbers. Residents can choose from a number of options - basically whatever trips local community, volunteer, or full-time faculty go on.

 

[lilybriscoe]

Dean McGee (in Oklahoma) sends all fourth year residents to China. They also try to find work so spouses/significant others can come along. I don't remember how long the trip is. This is not to boost their surgical numbers (the numbers of surgeries they gave at the interview in each category were astounding without the China trip), but this is a chance to get involved in international work in an area with inadequate eye care. Any current residents can correct me if I'm wrong about the details (I'm just taking this from the interview).

Also, Loyola and Univeristy of Maryland had international experiences that weren't to boost surgical numbers. I don't believe either of them allowed all residents to go.

I did get the impression the St. Vincent's in NY international trip WAS to meet surgical requirements.

Again, all of my information is taken from just one interview day, so please just correct me if you know more.

 

[ophtheus]

I just graduated from The George Washington University residency program. Just to clarify, they do not send their residents abroad to increase cataract surgery numbers. On average, the GW residents finish with over a hundred Class 1 phacos/ECCE, and that does not include international experience. GW is no longer affiliated with that hospital in England. The program presently has an affiliation with SEE International, whereby the residents have the opportunity to plan and conduct an international medical or surgical expedition (usually to Central/South America) with one of the GW attendings. It can range from a few days to a week in your senior year, and can be tailored to your professional or fellowship interest (i.e. - ant segment, plastics, etc). Hope that helps!

 

[snowbank]

I was told that Louisville, KY has started (within the last 2-3 years) an elective rotation in India or Pakistan. I cant remember though whether it was just those 2 countries or it was left to the resident's choice.

 

[abu barney]

The Cleveland programs (Cole Eye and CWRU) both offer a rotation for the third year residnets at LV Prasad in Hyderabad. I've heard only good things from those who went there.

 

[DwyaneWade]

Moran, Casey, BPEI

 

[azzarah]

Wilmer--India block built into 3rd year
Mass Eye and Ear--India block built into 3rd year and potentially orbis also if you are willing to take vacation for it