Residents see patients at CHOSEN as well as clinics around Nicaragua.The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is taking its residency program to new heights by incorporating international rotations into the curriculum. In an effort to provide residents with a broader perspective on ophthalmology, our 2022-23 third-year residents recently completed a one-week international rotation in Nicaragua, focusing on cataract surgery and the practice of ophthalmology in a foreign setting.
Under the guidance of David Neely, MD, a UAB Callahan Eye alumnus who currently provides care at CHOSEN, a surgical eye hospital dedicated to serving the blind in Nicaragua, the residents had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different healthcare system and experience the challenges and rewards of practicing ophthalmology abroad.
The primary objective of the international rotation is to introduce residents to a variety of pathology and expose them to ophthalmic care in a rural and international setting. By observing surgical techniques performed without the same access to exceptionally equipped surgical suites, the residents gain a valuable perspective on resourcefulness and adaptability. The program also promotes transcultural collaboration with local ophthalmic residents and fellows, fostering an exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Calvin McNelly, M.D. assists David Neely, M.D.Krupa Patel, MD, residency associate program director, expressed the importance of this international experience for the residents. “Limited access to resources and care is an ongoing issue in many parts of the world and even in areas of our country. It is important for our residents to gain experience and develop skills that can translate over to places without the advanced technology they normally have access to. Our hope is that they learn new techniques with different tools that can help them in the future, regardless of where they practice after they complete the residency program.”
The Nicaragua rotation represents an exciting addition to the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences residency program. It offers its third-year residents the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and serve the ophthalmic needs of a diverse population through hands-on experiences in local clinics and operating rooms, where they are exposed to global healthcare challenges.
Looking ahead, the department is committed to continuing and expanding this international rotation component of the residency program. The long-term goal is to provide residents with exposure to various healthcare systems and cultural contexts, fostering a global perspective that will enhance their professional growth. By exploring future opportunities for incorporating international ophthalmology into residents' careers, the department aims to produce well-rounded ophthalmologists who are equipped to address the needs of diverse patient populations worldwide.