Supported in part by  
Sunday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
McCormick Place, Room S101AB
Event Code: SPE09
New! Included in the Academy Plus Course Pass (Note: Attendees must show their YO ribbon to access the course).

Faced with a multitude of choices in your transition from training to practice? Get advice from experts and meet and talk to other young ophthalmologists facing similar challenges at the 2012 Joint Meeting in Chicago.

Topics and Speakers

10:00 a.m. - Welcome by YO Committee Chair Rob Melendez, MD, MBA 
10:10 a.m. – Engaging YOs in Advocacy by Lindsay A. Rhodes, MD 
10:35 a.m. - Academy President Ruth D. Williams, MD 
11:00 a.m. - Coding by Sue Vicchrilli  
12:00 p.m. - Lunch/Break (Course includes lunch)
12:10 p.m. - Panel Discussion – Types of Practices
Moderator: William C. Lloyd III, MD
Solo: Natasha L. Herz, MD
Academia: Janice Law, MD
Large Group: Sherman Reeves, MD
Kaiser: Eliza Hoskins, MD
1:00 p.m. – Marketing by Randall V. Wong, MD
1:25 p.m. – Contracts, Buy-ins abd Negotiating by Larry Geller 
1:50 p.m. – Social Networking by Purnima Patel, MD
1:55 p.m. - Closing Remarks by Rob Melendez, MD, MBA

Who Should Attend

• Residents;
• Ophthalmologists transitioning from training to practice;
• New-to-practice ophthalmologists; or
• Those seeking to learn more about the Academy’s educational resources.

Course Objectives

• Get advice from the experts on coding, insurance, contracts and more;
• Find out which practice type is best for you;
• Access valuable resources specifically for young ophthalmologists; and
• Meet other young ophthalmologists facing similar challenges.

Previous Attendees' Feedback

"The YO Program was packed with practical, real-world information that is essential to practicing medicine, but often neglected in residency training. Topics ranged from coding nuances to a lawyer's perspective on contract negotiation. One of the best parts of the day was the physician panel that offered perspectives on getting a first job. The well-selected group ranged from a career academician to a physician who changed practices after only a few years, and they all provided great insight. I would definitely attend again."
Christopher T. Hood, MD - Cleveland, Ohio

"I attended the YO Program at the 2009 Joint Meeting as a second-year resident, and I found it extremely valuable! It provided me with a lot of new information, in particular the changes in coding and reimbursement. I've already used what I learned to look into different international opportunities as well as searching for jobs. I highly recommend this program to all residents!"
Hoda Ahmadi, MD - Detroit, Mich.

"The YO Program provided exposure to a diverse set of topics, from getting involved in international missions to coding in your clinic on a daily basis. The program also outlined the resources that the Academy has available for YOs, like the opportunity for continuing education via the ONE Network on the Academy's website. I would recommend the program to any resident looking to learn more about the professional network and resources that the Academy has to offer."
David Vollman, MD, MBA - St. Louis, Mo.

Have you attended a YO Program at the Annual Meeting? We’d like to hear how participation in the program has helped you successfully navigate your first years in practice. E-mail your comments to yo@aao.org. Feedback received may be shared with your colleagues on the YO website and other YO communications.

2011 YO Program - Orlando Listen now to information about AAOE resources, advocacy and coding from last year's YO Program in Orlando.