UT Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine

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Fellowship Training

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis offers two one-year subspecialty clinical fellowships: the first in glaucoma under the direction of Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD, and the second in ocular oncology under the direction of Drs. Barrett G. Haik, MD, FACS and Matthew W. Wilson, MD, FACS. The department also offers a glaucoma research fellowship under Dr. Netland's supervision.

Subspecialty Clinical Fellowship: Glaucoma

This fellowship is designed to provide extensive training in all aspects of medical and surgical management of glaucoma. The fellow is encouraged to develop independent clinical and technical skills in an environment devoted to excellence in patient care. He/she will function with increasing autonomy as the year progresses and his/her skills expand. Clinical research is an integral part of the fellowship and resources for basic research are also available.

Requirements

The candidate is required to have completed residency training in ophthalmology. He/she must have a Tennessee Medical License prior to matriculation into the program. The training period commences on July 1 and concludes on June 30 of the following year; one position per year is offered. Salary is commensurate with PGY-5 level.

Faculty

Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD is Siegal Professor and Director of Glaucoma at the UT Department of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree at Princeton University, his PhD from Harvard University, and his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology, followed by a clinical fellowship in glaucoma, at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Netland spent a year as Consultant at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee, he was Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Associate Director of the Glaucoma Service at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School.

In addition to his recognized expertise in the clinical management and surgical treatment of glaucoma, Dr. Netland is an innovative and prolific investigator in the basic sciences. His research has focused on the pathophysiology of glaucoma and potential improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. He is the author of over 100 original reports, reviews and monographs in the ophthalmic literature and has recently co-authored two textbooks: A Stereo Atlas of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Medical Therapy. Dr. Netland has delivered more than 100 invited lectures and courses on clinical and surgical management of glaucoma and over 100 research presentations at national and international meetings.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has awarded him its Achievement Award. He is a member of the major ophthalmological organizations and subspecialty societies, and he has served as an officer of the Chandler-Grant Society and as an Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. In 2001, he was named the Gail S. and Richard D. Siegal Professor of Ophthalmology, and in 2003, Director of Academic Affairs.

Facilities

Patients are seen at the UT Medical Group offices in the downtown medical center. The clinic has complete examining and diagnostic facilities, diode laser, and a minor procedure room. Outpatient surgery is performed at area hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, including the UT Bowld Hospital, Methodist University Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, and LeBonheur Children's Medical Center. The fellow assists in patient evaluation and surgery of private patients and conducts his/her independent clinic and surgery at the Regional Medical Center of Memphis (the MED).

Resources and Responsibilities

The Department conducts a comprehensive program of lectures and conferences for residents and fellows and offers CME-certified meetings for community and regional ophthalmologists. The fellow is expected to take an active role in all educational activities, attending Grand Rounds and participating in the monthly glaucoma lectures and journal clubs. The fellow is expected to participate in resident training by supervising resident surgery (pre-operative evaluation, surgery, and post-operative management).

A full-time research assistant is employed to conduct phase III and IV pharmaceutical studies. The fellow is required to conduct clinical research on medical or surgical management of patients and is encouraged to optimize basic research opportunities.

Application Process

This program is registered with the Glaucoma Fellowship Matching Program (#754.14). Potential applicants should access this site for match registration information.

To apply for the fellowship, submit a letter of application accompanied by a curriculum vita, a personal statement, and at least two letters of recommendation addressed to:

Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD
Hamilton Eye Institute
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
930 Madison Avenue, Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38163
Attention: Mary E. Smith, MPH, RDMS
Glaucoma Fellowship Coordinator

Telephone: 901-448-5883
Fax: 901-448-9350
E-mail: mesmith@utmem.edu

 

Subspecialty Clinical Fellowship: Ocular Oncology

The ocular oncology fellowship provides extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of ocular tumors. The ocular oncology service examines approximately 100 new uveal melanoma patients and 30 new retinoblastoma patients per year. The fellow is also provided a broad exposure to the surgical management of orbit and eyelid tumors. The environment is designed to cultivate a greater depth of knowledge regarding the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of eye cancer. Opportunities for both clinical and basic science research exist, and the fellow is expected to actively design and participate in research projects.

Requirements

The candidate is required to have completed residency training in ophthalmology. He/she must have a Tennessee Medical License prior to matriculation into the program. The training period commences July 1 and concludes June 30 of the following year; a maximum of one position will be offered per year to only those candidates who can document a career plan that will utilize the training afforded them.

Faculty

Barrett G. Haik, MD, FACS  
Hamilton Professor of Ophthalmology
Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology

Matthew M. Wilson, MD, FACS
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Facilities

The Ocular Oncology Unit serves as both as regional and national referral center.
Adult patients are seen at the University of Tennessee Medical Group offices in Memphis. The clinic has complete examining and diagnostic facilities including B- and A- scan diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), digital photography, fluorescein angiography, and ICG. 

Pediatric patients are seen at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a pioneer in the management of childhood cancers. A multidisciplinary approach is taken in the treatment of retinoblastoma patients offering the fellow a vast exposure to the nuances of pediatric oncology and radiation oncology. Opportunities exist for basic science and clinical research. 

Surgeries are performed at the Methodist University Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Support services are provided through the Department of Radiation Oncology.

Resources and Responsibilities

The department conducts a comprehensive program of lectures and conferences for residents and fellows and offers CME-certified meetings for community and regional ophthalmologists. The fellow will take an active role in all educational activities, including attending Grand Rounds and participating in lectures and journal clubs. 

Application Process

This program is registered with the Glaucoma Fellowship Matching Program (#754.14). Potential applicants should access this site for match registration information.

To apply for the fellowship, submit a letter of application accompanied by a curriculum vita, a personal statement, and at least three letters of recommendations to:

Barrett G. Haik, MD, FACS
Department of Ophthalmology
UT Hamilton Eye Institute
930 Madison Avenue, Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38103

Telephone 901-448-5883
Fax 901-448-1299

 

Visiting Research Fellow in Glaucoma

This fellowship is designed to provide one year of research training in glaucoma. Under the supervision of Dr. Peter Netland, the fellow will observe patient care and surgery, conduct research, and receive training though attending Department activities such as monthly lectures, Grand Rounds, and journal club meetings.

Requirements

International applicants with ophthalmology specialty certification in their home country may apply. Fluency in English is required. The candidate or his/her training facility or government will provide salary, transportation, and living expenses. The training period is normally one year, but modifications can be arranged.

Faculty

Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD is Siegal Professor and Director of Glaucoma at the UT Department of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree at Princeton University, his PhD from Harvard University, and his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology, followed by a clinical fellowship in glaucoma, at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Netland spent a year as Consultant at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee, he was Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Associate Director of the Glaucoma Service at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School.

In addition to his recognized expertise in the clinical management and surgical treatment of glaucoma, Dr. Netland is an innovative and prolific investigator in the basic sciences. His research has focused on the pathophysiology of glaucoma and potential improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. He is the author of over 100 original reports, reviews and monographs in the ophthalmic literature and has recently co-authored two textbooks: A Stereo Atlas of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Medical Therapy. Dr. Netland has delivered more than 100 invited lectures and courses on clinical and surgical management of glaucoma and over 100 research presentations at national and international meetings.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has awarded him its Achievement Award. He is a member of the major ophthalmological organizations and subspecialty societies, and he has served as an officer of the Chandler-Grant Society and as an Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. In 2001, he was named the Gail S. and Richard D. Siegal Professor of Ophthalmology, and in 2003, Director of Academic Affairs.

Facilities

Patients are seen at the UT Medical Group offices in the downtown medical center. The clinic has complete examining and diagnostic facilities, diode laser, and a minor procedure room. Outpatient surgery is performed at area hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, including the UT Bowld Hospital, Methodist University Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, and LeBonheur Children's Medical Center. The fellow may also observe patient evaluation and surgery at the Regional Medical Center of Memphis (the MED).

Resources and Responsibilities

The research fellow is expected to attend Grand Rounds and participate in the monthly glaucoma lectures, journal clubs, and other educational activities of the Department. The research fellow is required to conduct and complete a research project during his/her tenure. He/she is also encouraged to observe patient care and surgery under Dr. Netland's supervision.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, submit a letter of application accompanied by a curriculum vita, a personal statement, and at least two letters of recommendation addressed to:

Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD
Hamilton Eye Institute
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
930 Madison Avenue, Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38163
Attention: Mary E. Smith, MPH, RDMS
Glaucoma Fellowship Coordinator

Telephone: 901-448-5883
Fax: 901-448-9350
E-mail: mesmith@utmem.edu

Upon acceptance into the program, the applicant will apply for a J1 Visa under the sponsorship of the University of Tennessee.


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