About the Residency Program
A total of nine residents, three per year, are accepted into the fully accredited program. During the first year, outpatient clinic activities are stressed and the mastery of comprehensive medical ophthalmology is reinforced. One resident is assigned to the inpatient consultation service and serves as a resource for the hospital on this busy service.
First Year
Introductory surgical experience occurs during the first year.
Second Year
During the second year, subspecialty rotations increase depth of understanding in retinal diseases, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, glaucoma and corneal diseases. The surgical experience increases with more time spent in the operating room. A four-month rotation is spent at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Administration Medical Center, where significant medical and surgical experience is obtained.
Third Year
In the third year, subspecialty rotations in oculoplastics, corneal and external diseases, retinal diseases, pediatrics and glaucoma continue. Surgical skills and postoperative management are emphasized. A second four-month rotation is spent at WBVAMC. One resident is chosen chief resident and is responsible for certain administrative features of the program.
During the second and third year, much of the training in pediatric ophthalmology occurs at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a pediatric specialty hospital. Located in Northeast Philadelphia, this 183-bed medical center is a regional referral hospital for children from around the Delaware Valley and throughout the world, as well as the “family physician” for children living in nearby communities.
Formal Didactic Activities
Formal lectures covering all subspecialties of ophthalmology are provided on a rotating daily basis. Regular Journal Clubs, Grand Rounds, BCSC Review, Cornea Conferences, Glaucoma Conferences, Clinical Pathological Conferences and other formal teaching conferences complete the teaching cycle. As time permits, attendance at lectures given at other institutions in the Philadelphia area is encouraged. The teaching provided encompasses all components of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's recommended syllabus.
Residents participate in conferences throughout the Drexel University College of Medicine when appropriate, and assist in providing clinical and formal didactic instruction to medical students and each other as needs arise. They're encouraged to develop and conduct original clinical or laboratory research according to interest, and are welcomed to join the staff in their ongoing projects. Each resident develops and presents an original research project during both the second and third years.
Entering residents are required to provide some of their own equipment, useful throughout their professional careers.
For the Resident
Drexel University College of Medicine residents have many choices of living arrangements. Housing in Philadelphia is less expensive than in other major northeastern cities. Some residents prefer to live in center city, while other residents live in suburban areas.
Philadelphia has much to offer culturally – great theater, symphony, opera, jazz and rock performances and a multitude of good restaurants of all types and price levels. It is an ideal city for residency training because one can enjoy all of the advantages of other major cities at lower cost and with an easier lifestyle.
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