Beginning trainees (Fundamental Series) are given the opportunity to learn about phacoemulsification and other aspects of anterior segment surgery via lectures and one-on-one instruction in a wet laboratory. The second- and third-year trainees (Advanced Series) are exposed to rotating topics every other year, as well as deeper skills practice including management of difficult cases and complications. This progressive curriculum is aligned with ACGME Core Competencies for Ophthalmology. Trainees from participating institutions attend all three years.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our department was not able to offer this course in 2020. So naturally, there was a lot of excitement and celebration when the participants and the faculty were able to get together for the course in summer 2021.
Residents, fellows, and medical students from the University of Wisconsin Medical School and School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Iowa, Medical College of Wisconsin, the University of California – Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Eye Care for Animals Veterinary School engaged in lectures and tested their knowledge on August 20, 2021.
The next day, residents received one-on-one surgical training that included four different learning modules. The course evaluations were very positive, with trainees noting their appreciation for high quality, comprehensive lectures and dedicated one-on-one instruction.
Always a high point of the program, the Friday evening picnic returned for 2021. Great food, networking, and an invigorating game of faculty vs. resident dodgeball on the shores of Lake Monona brought back good memories of past courses and hopes for future in-person courses.
