Ophthalmology's must-attend meeting is just two months away — and the schedule has a lot to offer young ophthalmologists. From contract negotiation to clinical pearls and surgical labs, AAO 2017 in New Orleans will give you the tools to succeed in every part of your career.
Here are five reasons to attend the biggest meeting in ophthalmology, Nov. 11 to 14.
1. Hone Your Surgical Skills
With over 300 instruction courses and labs, AAO 2017 is a great place for young ophthalmologists to learn new surgical techniques or start transitioning to independent surgery. Here’s a sample:
- Manual Extracapsular Cataract Extraction Surgery: Indications and Techniques (LEC114, Sunday, Nov. 12, 9 to 11:15 a.m.)
- Oculoplastic Procedures for the General Ophthalmologist (245, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2 to 3 p.m.)
- Medical and Surgical Management of the Blind Eye: Injection to Enucleation (LAB130, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2:30 to 5 p.m.)
- Learning Phaco Chop: Pearls and Pitfalls (256, Sunday, Nov. 12, 3:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
Use the online program to learn more and add these courses to your calendar. Filter your search to find sessions endorsed by the Academy’s YO Committee.
2. Network, Network, Network
AAO 2017 also offers many opportunities to network with Academy leaders and peers and make new friends around the world.
- YO Lounge (Room 222): Think of the YO Lounge as your home base during the meeting. The YO Lounge is equipped with a new “Wellness Corner” that includes massage chairs. Check in daily to meet other young ophthalmologists or attend special events on research, global ophthalmology, practice pearls, risk management, ethics and advocacy.
- Global YO Reception: Held on Sunday evening, Nov. 12, the funnest event at the meeting is always packed to capacity. Come meet other YOs from around the world. Tickets go quickly, so pick up yours early in the YO Lounge or at the YO Program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.
- Learning Lounge: On Saturday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 5 p.m., gather in the Learning Lounge for an interactive panel discussion on how YOs can manage financial wealth.
- NEW: EyePlay Experience (Hall I2): In this new lounge, you can join colleagues and recharge in the beer garden, give back to the community by creating toiletry bags for the homeless or learn to make New Orleans–style pralines. You’ll also have the chance to see the latest advances in virtual and augmented reality for ophthalmologists.
- International Lounge (Room 223): On Monday, Nov. 13, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., international YOs can meet and learn from Academy and YO leaders about the programs and efforts underway for YOs in different regions of the world at “Ophthalmology Around the Globe: A YO’s Perspective.”
3. Continue Your Education Beyond Training
Subspecialty Day provides the single best way to keep up to date with the most recent advances in your subspecialty.
“Subspecialty Day is the quickest way to stay on top of your field,” said Academy Secretary for the Annual Meeting Maria M. Aaron, MD. “You’ll also get a chance to interact with ophthalmic leaders, ask questions and chat with colleagues about your future career.”
This year, the Academy offers seven meetings Nov. 10 to 11. Members in training save up to $350 on registration:
4. Establish Your Career
YO Program.
You can also use AAO 2017 to learn about real-world aspects of practicing medicine like contract negotiation, getting paid and choosing the right type of practice setting.
- YO Program (SPE13, Sunday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): This free, two-part program includes a number of interactive panels covering everything from finding your dream job and contract negotiation to work/life balance once in practice. Get the inside scoop on how to set up your career from our experts.
- YO Symposium: Can We Have It All? Building and Balancing — Tools for Thriving at Career and Life (SYM31, Monday, Nov. 13, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.): Learn ways to structure your work and home to have a happier, healthier life in this free session. A diverse panel will describe their own experiences with this balancing act and provide resources to help you maximize quality time and delegate less-critical tasks.
- Welcome to the Real World of Ophthalmology: Reality 101 for Residents and Fellows (SPE20, Monday, Nov. 13, 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.): This free, interactive forum covers the non-medical aspects of practicing ophthalmology, including how to land a fellowship and what the Fellowship Compliance Committee does. Expert panelists will also discuss how membership and active involvement with the Academy and state ophthalmology societies can benefit your career.
5. Explore a World-Class Tourist Destination
New Orleans is one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations. Known for its restaurants and music, French Quarter and Garden District, the “Big Easy” has something for everyone. Be sure to tour the famous cemeteries, check out the Mardi Gras floats, take a swamp ride through the untamed Louisiana bayous or walk through the city’s scenic neighborhoods.
“My hope is that YOs attending AAO 2017 will soak up as much as possible,” said Dr. Aaron. “Ask your friends and mentors how to get the most out of your meeting, which conferences to attend, where to eat and how to relax — but most importantly, have a terrific time.”
Whatever your reason to attend, don’t wait too long to register and book your hotel. Registration for AAO 2017 is free for all Academy members in training, but advanced registration ends Oct. 13. Book after that and you’ll have to stand in line onsite to get your badge and meeting materials.
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About the author: Mike Mott is a former assistant editor for EyeNet Magazine and contributing writer for YO Info.