Andrea A. Tooley, MD, is an oculoplastic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She did her ophthalmology residency at Mayo Clinic (2015-2018) and completed an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship in New York City (2018-2020). Below, she shares his top tips for making the most of AAO 2021.
First annual meeting—2015. "I attended my first annual meeting when I was a first-year resident. I remember being completely overwhelmed by all the exhibits and the extensive program list. Luckily, I found the Young Ophthalmologist [YO] Lounge [Room 222 this year] and was able to meet some great YOs who recommended events for first-year residents. I also attended Cornea Subspecialty Day, which was extremely high yield and educational for me as I was just starting to see complex cornea patients in clinic."
Top tip for getting the most out of the annual meeting—plan, plan, plan! "Use the Mobile Meeting Guide and flag sessions you want to see."
Your most rewarding experience at the AAO—being a panelist at a YO symposium. "An experience that I will never forget was presenting on stage for a 2019 YO Symposium alongside tremendous leaders in ophthalmology, like Purnima Patel, Peter Karth, R.V. Paul Chan, Marie Louise Rasmussen, Brian Stagg, and Luxme Hariharan."
Most serendipitous moment—running into a mentor. "When I attended my first annual meeting, I ran into Dr. Hunter Cherwek, someone who immensely influenced my decision to pursue ophthalmology. Dr. Cherwek had been the medical director of ORBIS when I was a volunteer in high school. I hadn’t seen him in nearly 10 years! Running into him at the annual meeting and letting him know I had made it and was officially an ophthalmology resident was such a highlight of my meeting that year!"
Guilty pleasure at the annual meeting—dancing the night away. "The Orbital Gala and the Global YO reception are my favorite events at the annual meeting. I love seeing all my friends at the Orbital Gala and then dancing the night away at the Global YO reception. Too much fun!"
Congratulations! In early September, Dr. Tooley gave birth to a daughter, and is now back in the office after maternity leave. The virtual options for Subspecialty Day, AAO 2021, and the Orbital Gala mean that Dr. Tooley can attend scientific sessions and join the celebrations—while fulfilling her work duties and spending time with her infant daughter.
Attend the Global YO Reception
Academy members who are in training or in their first five years of practice are encouraged to attend the YO Reception.
When: Sunday, Nov. 14, 9:00 p.m.–midnight, CT.
Where: Republic NOLA (828 South Peters Street).
Meeting badge with YO ribbon is required for admission. Proof of vaccination is required for all attendees.
Supported in part by Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC).
Attend the Orbital Gala
The Orbital Gala is a wonderful way to catch up with friends while raising money for the Academy Foundation. Ticket sales for the in-person event are now closed, but you also can attend—and take part in the auction—virtually. Register as a virtual attendee by Friday to receive instructions and a link to the YouTube event, which takes place on Sunday, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT.
When: Sunday, Nov. 14, 6:00–8:00 p.m., CT.
Where: House of Blues, New Orleans (or attend virtually)
Make a Bid During the Orbital Gala's Auction
On Monday, Nov. 1, you can start browsing the auction items. On Sunday, Nov. 7, start placing bids. On Sunday, Nov. 14, bidding closes at 9:00 p.m. CT.
Read more news about AAO 2021.