Tips for AAO 2022—Dr. Perry: "Arrive With a Plan, Leave With Some Swag"

Julian D. Perry, MD, is the Service Director for Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at the Cole Eye Institute of the Cleveland Clinic.

My first annual meeting—1997. When I entered the exhibit hall in San Francisco, my first thought was, “Wow!” I was blown away by its sheer size, the number of booths, and all the learning and networking going on.

The biggest beginner’s mistake—not having a plan. There’s a huge breadth and depth of opportunities to learn, share, and connect—but you need a plan. There is so much going on, you’ll be a deer in the headlights sifting through the program in the registration hall if you don’t seize the opportunities the Academy provides to preplan your meeting [bookmark the Mobile Meeting Guide]. I recommend plotting out “can’t miss” events well ahead of time.

My most rewarding experience at the annual meeting—serving as a program chair. The most gratifying experience was serving as Oculoplastics/Oncology Annual Meeting Program Chair. The responsibility to coordinate the meeting content was the professional privilege of a lifetime, and it was a real joy to work with such a collegial and fun group of surgeons and Academy staff. I looked forward to every committee call and meeting, where we hammered out the papers, posters, courses, and other content. The best part is that the Academy offers so many opportunities for members to participate.

What role does serendipity play at the annual meeting—a constant one! At every single one of my 23 meetings, even separate from alumni and other social events, I inevitably bump into an old friend. These brief chances to reconnect are always special.

My guilty pleasure at the annual meeting—I’m a sucker for swag! When I’m not swiping free swag, you might catch me ribbon counting—look at all those ribbons!

This content is excerpted from the Sunday/Monday edition of AAO 2022 News, the newspaper distributed at the convention center.

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