Program Overview
The PGY1 year offers a broad range of clinical experiences prior to beginning core training in ophthalmology in PGY2. Specific attention is given to those areas of medicine and surgery that relate most to ophthalmology, including endocrinology, neurology, neuroradiology, dermatology, rheumatology, and plastic surgery, otolaryngology, pediatric er, emergency medince, neuro-radiology and internal medicine.
The PGY2 thru PGY5 years constitute the four core years of ophthalmology training. The forty-eight months are divided into three sixteen-month cycles, each cycle consisting of eight two-months rotations. Each two-month rotation is subspecialty service based, with learning sites ranging from private offices, hospital clinics and ORs. Residents are exposed to each subspecialty in each of the three cycles, thereby allowing graduated learning and acquisition of skills appropriate for resident level of training.
Objectives of Training in Ophthalmology
The four core years of training in ophthalmology are designed to meet the objectives and specific requirements of training established by the Royal College, in CanMEDS format:
* Click each bullet below for more information
Research
It is the goal of the research arm of our division to teach residents during the PGY1-5 how to explore a particular area of Ophthalmology to ask a question that has not been answered. Then by collecting appropriate data, synthesizing the information and developing a hypothesis, they can then design a prospective research project that will seek to answer the question. This may be a basic science question or a clinical trial.
Residents will have protected time scheduled per each rotation to work on these projects; funding up to $5000 per year is available.
PGY1 and PGY2 Residents are expected to attend Surgical Foundation teaching sessions and to present their research in the PGY2 year.
As of 2015, the Division of Ophthalmology also invites residents to submit to present their research for the Annual Resident Research Day. See the winner here!
Seminars
Each week a half-day is set aside for city-wide Divisional rounds and seminar programs. There are also teaching rounds and academic sessions mandatory each week for residents.
Selection Criteria
- A strong academic record.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Maturity, empathy, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Candidates with an interest and proven experience in research, both in basic science and clinical research are encouraged to apply.
- Publication on any topic (any scientific paper).
- Proven interest in ophthalmology, which can be demonstrated by electives.