On Tuesday, May 7th, the UABSO Alumni Association hosted a panel discussion for fourth year students entitled, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” The panel consisted of recent graduates, and provided practical advice about the transition from being a student to becoming a practicing optometrist.
Topics discussed included how to register for NPI numbers, build CAQH profiles, negotiating contracts, determining appropriate salaries, average patients per day schedules, and maintaining a work/life balance. There was also a discussion on residencies versus private practices versus commercial practices.
Speakers participating in the event were Dr. Tim Ansley, owner of Inverness Eye Care; Dr. Bonnie-Kim Schwertz), optometrist at Eyecare Associates; Dr. Katie Greer, optometrist at Eyes on Albertville and Sarrell Dental & Vision Centers; Dr. Jonathan Davis, owner of Decatur Family Eye Care; and Dr. Gussie Branch, owner of Eyes on Albertville.
“I really enjoyed spending time with some of our future optometrists and it was exciting to see the anticipation of graduation on their faces,” said Dr. Branch. “The panel gave us the opportunity to share the fine details about what we wish we would have known when making that transition from student to doctor.”
Please click here if you’d like to listen to the discussion.