Monday, June 26 marked an exciting day as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences welcomed its new batch of first-year residents. This distinguished group of residents represents the second-ever class of ophthalmic PGY-1s for the department, and we are thrilled to have such exceptionally qualified individuals from across the country joining our program.

From left to right: Drs. Mark Johnson, Ngozi Ogburu-Ogbonnaya, Kaval Patel, Katharine Weintraub, and Alicia Woock

Let's meet the new first-year residents:
Mark Johnson, MD, is a graduate of our very own University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine.
Ngozi Ogburu-Ogbonnaya, MD, MS, comes from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine.
Kaval Patel, MD, completed his medical education at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.
Katharine Weintraub, MD, hails from Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia.
Alicia Woock, MD, joins us from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

This accomplished group brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences to our program, and we have high expectations for their future contributions to the field of ophthalmology.

The intern year is a crucial period designed to prepare these aspiring ophthalmologists for the demanding residency program that lies ahead. During this initial phase, they will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the state-of-the-art facilities available at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and its satellite clinics, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham VA Health Care, and Cooper Green Mercy Health Services. Interactions with faculty, staff, fellows, and fellow residents will be an integral part of their learning experience.

The modern and exceptionally equipped facilities at UAB Callahan Eye house a bustling surgery center, a 24-hour eye emergency room, an ophthalmic laser center, and an impressive array of 17 operating suites. With such cutting-edge resources at their disposal, our PGY-1s can look forward to top-tier training and education, positioning them for success in their future careers.

UAB Callahan Eye is the only freestanding Level 1 Ocular Trauma Center in the United States, complete with a 24/7 eye emergency department. This distinction provides our residents with a unique and invaluable training experience, exposing them to a wide range of ocular emergencies and trauma cases. Each year, the Callahan Eye Hospital emergency room handles over 6,000 visits, which allows our residents to gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating various ophthalmic conditions under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

As these first-year residents embark on their ophthalmology journey, we have no doubt their time at UAB will shape them into exceptional ophthalmologists. The comprehensive training they will receive, combined with the mentorship and guidance from our esteemed faculty, will provide a solid foundation for their future success.

The UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences takes immense pride in welcoming these new residents and remains committed to fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. We eagerly anticipate the contributions they will make to the field and the positive impact they will have on patient care. We are excited to witness their growth, dedication, and accomplishments in the years to come as they make their mark in the world of ophthalmology.