SEP 13, 2022
Tips for AAO 2022—Dr. Lim: "Have a Schedule, But Savor Moments of Serendipity"
Jennifer I. Lim, MD, is Marion H. Schenk Esq. Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of the Retina Service, and Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
My first annual meeting—1989. At my first meeting, in New Orleans, I was amazed to see so many of ophthalmology’s luminaries in person. In fact, I would introduce myself to them whenever the opportunity arose. It was also a great opportunity to network with my fellow residents who were applying to retina fellowships. A group of us, who had met during interviews, gathered together for dinner at the Court of Two Sisters. Some of us ended up as cofellows in the same program, and these friendships continue to this day!
Best tip—maximize your time. Look through the symposia, papers, posters, and other programming and make a list of what you don’t want to miss. I use the Mobile Meeting Guide as well as my phone calendar. I also make plans ahead of time to meet with colleagues from around the country.
Best clinical lesson you’ve learned at an annual meeting—trial results. I always look to see if any phase 3 clinical trial results are unveiled at the annual meeting or Subspecialty Day. I also enjoy learning about innovative surgical procedures.
How has the annual meeting changed over the years—more condensed and personalized. It has become shorter and more focused on clinical relevance. It also has become more personalized for the attendee, who can, for example, choose to view Scientific Posters via the Mobile Meeting Guide, via the Virtual Meeting, or in the Poster Theater and Lounge.
How has your approach to the annual meeting changed over the years—more advance planning. It have become more organized, so I can maximize my time in meetings and meet with work-related contacts. But while I schedule my time more scrupulously, I still cherish the chance encounters when I turn a corner and bump into an old friend.
My guilty pleasure at the annual meeting—dessert! Whatever city we’re at, I’ll enjoy some decadent dining with rich desserts. In Chicago, I might warm up for dessert with an authentic Peking Duck banquet dinner at Evergreen Restaurant or with a cornbread crust deep dish pizza stuffed with sausage, mushrooms, green pepper, and onion at Gino’s East.
This content is excerpted from the Sunday/Monday edition of AAO 2022 News, the newspaper that gets distributed at the convention center.
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