Ophthalmology’s must-attend meeting is less than two months away — and the schedule has a lot to offer young ophthalmologists. From practice pearls to surgical skills, AAO 2018 in Chicago will give you everything you need to succeed in all aspects of your career.
“In our lives, we lean on our family and our network. The AAO annual meeting is that for ophthalmologists,” said James Chelnis, MD, an oculoplastics and reconstructive surgeon and chair of YO Info’s editorial board.
“Every year I learn how to improve care for my patients, reunite with friends, make new connections and feed off the meeting’s energy to refresh my batteries for another year in a great profession,” he said.
Here are five reasons to attend the biggest meeting in ophthalmology, Oct. 27 to 30.
1. Hone your craft
With more than 350 instruction courses and labs, AAO 2018 is the place for young ophthalmologists to learn new surgical techniques or start transitioning to independent surgery.
Use the YO brochure as your one stop shopping guide to learn about courses endorsed by the Academy’s YO Committee as well as other educational and social events planned just for YOs over the duration of the meeting.
If you are unable to join us in Chicago, the Academy offers the AAO 2018 Virtual Meeting, a free online component that allows you to participate in sessions live. For the first time, the YO Program will be included in the approximate 20 hours of educational content streamed over five days. After the meeting, you will be able to access archived sessions until Jan. 31, 2019.
2. Stay connected
AAO 2018 also offers many opportunities to network with Academy leaders and peers and make new friends around the world.
- YO Lounge (Grand Concourse): The YO Lounge is our home base during the meeting. It offers a casual space for YOs to take a break during the annual meeting, meeting assistance and daily networking “Power Hours” with expert consultants. Also be sure to join other YOs in sessions dedicated to wellness that includes an opportunity to participate in “stretches for the OR” while in your business suit!
- Global YO Reception: Held on Sunday evening, Oct. 28, the most entertaining 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.
- YO Learning Lounge Event (Hall A, Booth 126): On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 5 p.m., gather in the Learning Lounge for “How I Started and Grew My Practice: Solo and Multi-Specialty Ophthalmology,” an interactive panel discussion on how to get your practice started. Participants will discuss a number of different practice types.
3. Keep up your education after training
Subspecialty Day provides the single best way to stay current with the most recent advances in your subspecialty.
This year, the Academy offers eight meetings from Oct. 26 to 27. Members-in-training save up to $350 on registration:
4. Give your career a solid foundation
You can also use AAO 2018 to learn about real-world aspects of practicing medicine like getting paid, choosing the right type of practice setting and contract negotiation.
- YO Program (SPE12, Sunday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): This free, two-part program includes interactive panels covering everything from transitioning out of training and finding your dream job to growing your practice and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Get the inside scoop on how to set up your career from our experts.
- YOs in International Outreach (234, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2 to 3 p.m.): To successfully address global eye care needs, today’s young ophthalmologists must become involved in global efforts. This course will address examples of different training pathways and discuss possibilities for how to make these efforts sustainable.
- YO Symposium: The Future of Ophthalmology Practice for YOs (SYM26, Sunday, Oct. 28, 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.): Are you equipped to be a 21st-century ophthalmologist in this changing financial environment? This symposium provides an overview of the changing business landscape for YOs entering the workforce today.
- Welcome to the Real World of Ophthalmology: Reality 101 for Residents and Fellows (SPE27, Monday, Oct. 29, 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.): This free, interactive forum covers the nonmedical aspects of practicing ophthalmology, including various practice options, networking and referrals and the advantages/disadvantages of fellowship training. You’ll also learn how membership and active involvement with the Academy and state ophthalmology societies can benefit your career.
5. Join others in advocating for ophthalmology
Find AAO 2018 events that involve the Academy’s advocacy for our profession, including:
- Direct Engagement With FDA Leaders (S103A, Sunday, Oct. 28, 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.): Leaders from the Food and Drug Administration will engage directly with you during this popular, annual opportunity. Get your drug-and-device questions answered and hear the latest regulatory breakthroughs that affect ophthalmologists.
Explore a world-class tourist destination
Like ophthalmology, Chicago perfectly combines Art + Science: from world-renowned art and science museums, to cutting-edge theater, soulful blues clubs, inventive cuisine, breathtaking architecture and engineering. Few other cities offer more to see, hear, taste and experience.
Whatever your reason to attend, don’t wait too long to register and book your hotel. Registration for AAO 2018 is free for all Academy members-in-training, but advanced registration ends Sept. 28. Book after that and you’ll have to stand in line to get your meeting badge and materials.
* * *
About the author: Mike Mott is a former assistant editor for EyeNet magazine and contributing writer for YO Info.