Leaving residency or a fellowship can involve several major transitions in your role, finances and even where you live. “Welcome to the Real World of Ophthalmology: Reality 101 for Residents and Fellows,” convened several young ophthalmologists to help residents and fellows enter the real world successfully. I joined moderator Chris Albanis, MD; Suzanne M. Falkenberry, MD; and Brad E. Kligman, MD; at this Oct 17 event during AAO 2016. Here are seven of the tips we shared.
- Start your job search with the Academy’s Ophthalmology Job Center, which is free for job seekers.
- When interviewing, ask the practice how you can flourish, and ask yourself, “Am I a good fit?”
- Seek advice from mentors and colleagues when considering different job opportunities.
- Have an attorney review your contract, and remember that high turnover in the practice can be a red flag.
- Once you’re on your own in the OR and clinic, prepare yourself for both routine and tough cases.
- Remember that no one likes complications, but we all have to deal with them. And of course it’s best to have these complications in training with an attending surgeon so you can learn and grow from them. See why sharing your surgical mistakes can make you a better ophthalmologist
- Be informed about current advocacy issues. Whether in residency or fellowship, you can start advocating for your patients and your profession on a national and state level. Attend the Mid-Year Forum as an Advocacy Ambassador Program participant and join your state ophthalmology society.
Watch Julia Haller, MD, ophthalmologist-in-chief of Wills Eye Hospital, below, discuss how YOs should prepare for a job interview and what questions they should (and should not) ask.