Evan Silverstein, MD, is associate professor of ophthalmology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where he serves as medical director, associate residency program director, division head of pediatric ophthalmology, and EMR champion. He sees patients at two locations: downtown Richmond and Fredericksburg, Virginia.
My first annual meeting—Chicago in 2014. I was a PGY-4 resident at Vanderbilt and applying for pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus fellowships.
My top tip for getting the most out of the meeting—set goals and make a plan. There is so much going on that you won’t be able to do everything and see everything. Take an hour and think about your interests: what subjects are you most curious about? How do you want to stretch yourself? What have you not been exposed to that interests you? For me, I’ve sat with the program guide and found sessions on pediatric ophthalmology, EMRs, and practice management—especially events that have a focus on practice efficiency. Residents and starting attendings should look at the Young Ophthalmologists (YO) program. By planning your day, you won’t be wondering in the moment: what should I do next? Make sure you set aside at least a few hours to visit the exhibit hall, too!
Best practice management tip I’ve learned at the annual meeting—how to add last-minute patients into the clinic schedule. At a past YO symposium, Robert F. Melendez, MD, MBA, shared a great tip about how your choice of language can set the tone. His practice has a special term for the patient who calls in and needs to be squeezed into the schedule—just before or after lunch break, for example. Instead of referring to them as an “add-on,” they are a “person in need.” This simple phrasing helps to create a special culture: we are here for our community, for someone who needs help when they are vulnerable and scared about losing eyesight. This changes the mindset of front desk staff, techs, and physicians. Instead of thinking, “Oh no, we have yet another patient to see that’s added on to our schedule,” we’re now thinking “With just a little bit more time, we can really help this person in need.” After Dr. Melendez’ presentation, I introduced myself to him, and we are now friends.
My most serendipitous moments at the annual meeting—serendipity can play a big role, provided you put yourself out there! I saw Michael F. Chiang, MD, present and was truly inspired by him, and even introduced myself after the session. We have talked at every other meeting we have both attended since my first AAO!
From Dr. Chiang to Dr. Melendez, I have used seemingly serendipitous encounters to build relationships with incredible people. I danced with a future fellowship attending at the Global YO Reception (did my dance moves help me get the fellowship?) and have met incredible people walking around the meeting (including YO leaders like James G. Chelnis, Purnima S. Patel, MD, and Andrea A. Tooley, MD). These chance meetings and discussions may have contributed to being appointed to the YO Info subcommittee, which I now chair.
My guilty pleasure at the annual meeting—the Global YO Reception. The Global YO Reception sponsored by OMIC is an amazing party where all YOs can hang out, dance, and have a great time. Watch for appearances by the Academy president, past presidents, and past YO Committee chairs! [The Global YO Reception will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5, 9:00 p.m.-midnight at The Grand, 520 4th St., San Francisco.]
This content is excerpted from the Friday/Saturday edition of AAO 2023 News, the newspaper distributed at the convention center.
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