Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

We are creating and continue to evolve into the finest ophthalmology department in the Southwest. From our new physical infrastructure to our successful recruitment of talented faculty, we are dedicated to achieving the best for our patients, their families and the greater ophthalmology community. To that end, we seek talented, hardworking, creative residents who want to contribute to the field and agree with our goals. We specifically seek residents who desire to maximize their potential in every environment.

To prepare our residents for their chosen fields, we provide an excellent surgical experience combined with extensive didactics. Lectures are given in the mornings two-five days a week. Case presentations are discussed two times a week. A monthly wet and virtual surgical laboratory supplements the surgical experience.

Monthly M&M conferences and journal clubs keep our residents current with the prevailing opinions in ophthalmology. We encourage participation in research projects and allow residents to collaborate with faculty on projects during clinical rotations whenever possible. Lectures are given in the mornings two-five days a week and on Friday afternoons. Research plays an important role in developing future leaders in ophthalmology, regardless of whether an academic path is chosen or not. Leadership skills are honed by participation on department committees, serving in leadership positions during each year of residency training, and having the opportunity to serve as chief resident.

We believe that a supportive, demanding program produces the best future leaders. Our desire is to help all of our residents maximize their potential. At the completion of residency, our future ophthalmology leaders are well trained, clinically and surgically proficient and confidently prepared to practice their chosen specialty.

Resident evaluations gauge performance in the six core competencies outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and listed below:

• Patient care
• Medical knowledge
• Professionalism
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Practice-based learning and improvement
• System-based practice

At the conclusion of each rotation, faculty members who have supervised the residents will evaluate their performance. Evaluations are also obtained from patients and staff. The evaluations are written and become part of each resident's permanent record. To identify strengths and weaknesses in the residency as early as possible, the program director meets with each resident every 6 months. The program director also meets with residents as a group at least quarterly. Residents' input is routinely sought and has always been integral to program development.