More ophthalmologists will gather for AAO 2016 in Chicago this fall than any other meeting in the profession. Wherever in the world you are, it’s your best single opportunity to burnish clinical skills, meet potential employers and mentors and much more. Andrew Scott, MD, shares his tips for packing and how he’ll connect with peers during the meeting.
AAO 2016 is held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.
Name: Andrew Scott
Subspecialty: Glaucoma
Where you practice/train: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London
First Academy annual meeting (year): 2009
What’s your favorite story from last year’s annual meeting? The YO reception has always been the highlight of my meetings.
What AAO 2016 advice would you give to another young ophthalmologist coming from your region? I would recommend a daily visit to the YO lounge, which provides a great opportunity for networking with academy leaders and peers, making new friends across the globe and sharing ideas. I would also recommend they attend the YO program and YO sessions. Before going to AAO 2016, you should identify your training needs and enroll in the appropriate courses to address these needs. The YO webpage recommends a few courses. Talking with peers and leaders in the YO lounge may also help find the best and most appropriate courses for your needs.
What’s on your must-attend list for AAO 2016? To attend Subspecialty Day - this is the best way to keep up to date with advances in your subspecialty. I also will attend the YO program and am particularly looking forward to the symposium: “Four revolutionary ideas that will change the future for young ophthalmologists.” I would also like to attend a course on OCT interpretation in glaucoma.
Editor’s note: To join Dr. Scott at the symposium, add SYM32 to your calendar.
Ophthalmology’s Ideas Worth Spreading: Four Revolutionary Ideas that Will Change the Future for Young Ophthalmologists
Monday, Oct. 17, 10:45-11:45 a.m. | McCormick Place, Grand Ballroom S100C
What do you plan to do more of at this year’s meeting? Network and socialize more. I will spend more time at the YO lounge. I also look forward to the YO symposia, where I hope I will have an opportunity to share ideas and participate in discussion.
What’s on your must-pack list? I will certainly carry business cards with me. Also my iPhone, to help me navigate through the program and select the best sessions as well as capture the most memorable moments in pictures. Finally, I will carry a little pocket notebook and pen to jot down ideas and learning points that I would have picked up from the many sessions, symposia and courses that I plan to attend.