The first or second year of ophthalmology practice presents many changes and challenges. No single event can better equip you for clinical and professional success than AAO 2016 in Chicago, Oct. 15 to 18. To help you have a successful meeting, we asked glaucoma specialist Roma Patel, MD, MBA, to share her meeting tips for ophthalmologists in their first or second year of practice.
AAO 2016 is held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.
Name: Roma Patel
Subspecialty: Glaucoma
Where you practice: Sacramento Veterans Affairs Hospital / UC Davis Eye Center
First Academy annual meeting (year): 2013
What advice would you give to another young ophthalmologist who’s in their first or second year of practice? My first year of practice went by so quickly. Being placed in an immediate leadership position demanded many external demands of me. I wish I had carved out more time for reflection, especially over outcomes of surgical cases, my practice patterns and continued opportunities for self-improvement. Just because formal training is over, doesn’t mean that we stop learning. This year I want to make room for personal growth and would advise other new graduates to do the same.
What’s on your must-attend list for AAO 2016? I am looking for inspiration this year and thus excited about the YO Symposium: Ophthalmology’s Ideas Worth Spreading: Four Revolutionary Ideas that Will Change the Future for Young Ophthalmologists. I also am looking at new equipment for our VA clinic and will be exploring those exhibit halls with great excitement.
Editor’s note: To join Dr. Patel at the symposium, add SYM32 to your calendar.
Ophthalmology’s Ideas Worth Spreading: Four Revolutionary Ideas that Will Change the Future for Young Ophthalmologists
Monday, Oct. 17, 10:45-11:45 a.m. | McCormick Place, Grand Ballroom S100C
What do you plan to do more of at this year’s meeting? I plan to revisit some topics outside of my normal scope of practice. During fellowship and first year of practice, my focus was mainly on glaucoma management. I want to refresh my knowledge of certain neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus topics so I don’t lose these skills and can still offer this knowledge to my residents.
What’s on your must-have pack list for the meeting? Business cards, comfortable dress shoes for the long walks in the convention halls and a fall jacket for those cool Chicago nights.