When we announced the establishment of the four-year integrated residency program, we immediately began to design an intern year program that would benefit our first-ever incoming PGY-1 class. Meet our first-year residents and see how they have been spending their time in their integrated year.
What drew you to the ophthalmology residency program at UAB?
Bhavsar - The biggest thing that drew me to the UAB ophthalmology program was its culture. On interview day and during the pre-interview dinner, I was able to see how well the residents were interacting with each other. It looked like a family, and that is something I was looking for in a program. Additionally, the residents spoke very highly about the quality of training one receives during residency, as well has how approachable and helpful the faculty have been for them. Walking away from the interview, I knew that the program would help prepare me for my career as an ophthalmologist.
Stoffer - Compared to other residency programs I encountered, UAB offered an astounding amount of autonomy and clinical volume that I see as necessary to becoming the best ophthalmologist I can be. Additionally, the culture fostered by both faculty and residents at UAB set a distinctively warm and collegial environment that genuinely excites me. I honestly don’t know how I lucked into matching at such a great program. I’m glad UAB put the extra work into designing and managing an intern year that puts our academic/career interests first. Intern year is classically known for being a drag, a year to “white knuckle” your way through, but I’ve enjoyed my time spent on non-ophthalmology services. I know this year is ultimately beneficial and formative for the years ahead.
Will Poore, MDAs the first class of the integrated year, what can you tell us about the curriculum for the intern year?
Moses - The year is mainly structured around rotations that will be the most beneficial for us in the long term as ophthalmology residents. We get to have three months of ophthalmology at Callahan that we spend in the attending clinics, OR, ER, low vision clinic, and a visit to the Eye Bank. We also have two months of ER (one at UAB Main hospital, one at Children’s of Alabama) to better prepare us for our time in Callahan’s ER. We then have many rotations with significant overlap with ophthalmology: neurology, neuroradiology, rheumatology, dermatology, anesthesia, and we have two medicine wards months. Our final rotation in June is one of the three ophthalmology months, to prepare us for primary call.
Poore - The goal of this intern year is to expose residents to areas of interest relevant to the practice of ophthalmology and to the facilities in which they will spend the rest of their training. You can interact with a variety of different individuals at UAB who will one day be consulting you to evaluate a patient in Children of Alabama’s ER or helping interpret a specific imaging finding.
What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned so far?
Bhavsar - The most surprising thing I have learned about so far is the number of challenging/complex cases we see in the clinics, ER, and in the inpatient setting. I had heard about this during my interview day, and now I have witnessed it first-hand. It re-affirms my belief that the training I will receive here will truly prepare me to face anything.
Jameson - I have learned that each patient encounter, no matter if it’s an oncology patient or a pediatric emergency medicine patient, presents an opportunity to learn, even if they are not an “ophthalmology patient.” For example, I have learned how to present more succinctly to consulting services and improved my time management. Every patient has taught me something that will ultimately make me a better future ophthalmologist.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Jameson - A typical day is highly variable depending on the rotation. Currently, as a rotator in the UAB emergency department, I am working day shift 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., swing shift 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., or night shift 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. Throughout the duration of my 8-hour shift the breadth of pathology amongst the patients is endless. Regardless of which rotation I am on, I always try to make time for a quick workout, and I like to end the day spending little bit of time doing something I enjoy. I have also enjoyed spending weekends off exploring Birmingham and all the incredible things this city has to offer.
Stoffer - It depends on the month! Most services are clinic/consult, comprising mostly 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. shifts either in clinic or in the hospital, while others mix-in afternoon/night shifts, call days, and OR days. Some rotations are more procedural (anesthesia, EM, Mohs Clinic), while others focus on inpatient management of complex patients (rheum, neuro, renal/hepatic wards). I feel like I’m starting a new job with a new learning curve every four weeks, but I feel more competent and independent because of it. The most rewarding aspect of the schedule is getting to meet a whole new department of residents/faculty each month and making connections with colleagues with whom I will share patients soon.
What rotations have you had so far? Have you had a favorite?
Moses - I have had two ophthalmology rotations, UAB Main ER, renal wards, dermatology, and am currently on anesthesia. Of course, ophthalmology has been my favorite, but my favorite non-ophthalmology rotation has been UAB Main ER. I enjoyed the diversity of problems I saw in the ER and the many different specialties I got to interact with daily. I felt it was beneficial to be on the other side and form relationships with providers who will likely be consulting us next year.
Poore - I have had neuroradiology, dermatology, IM wards, anesthesiology, and am currently on pediatric ER. I have really enjoyed all my rotations so far, and, if I had to choose a favorite, I would say pediatric ER. There is plenty of ocular pathology that comes through those doors, and you never know what you will get an opportunity to see. Not to mention Children’s of Alabama during the holidays is a great place to work with the decorations.