Cook County Health and Hospitals System Program

The Cook County Health Ophthalmology Residency Program is a prestigious residency designed to develop proficient comprehensive ophthalmologists and subspecialists. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and approved by the American Board of Ophthalmology, this program is uniquely positioned due to its high patient volume and extensive catchment area.

The residency spans four years and accepts four residents annually, facilitating a total immersive experience in both clinical and surgical settings. Admission to the program is contingent upon completing an ACGME-accredited or Canadian-approved internship. The Division of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive care for a diverse patient population experiencing various eye diseases, injuries, and conditions, making this an ideal setting for residents to gain extensive hands-on experience in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided across four years, with structured rotations and progressive increases in responsibilities. In the first year (PGY-1), residents are introduced to ophthalmology while rotating through various specialties, enhancing their foundational medical knowledge and surgical skills prior to specialized training. This includes clinical exposure and early operative training, allowing residents to begin performing in-office procedures 9.

In subsequent years, residents integrate into the Stroger Hospital Eye Clinic as well as at the Provident Hospital. Here they attend biweekly clinics and engage in comprehensive care alongside seasoned attendings, participating in numerous operative procedures, including cataract surgery and anterior segment lasers 9.

Education

The educational experience is robust, including daily lectures rooted in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC). Residents benefit from scholarly activities, journal clubs, and citywide educational programs, such as the Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology, wherein multidisciplinary lectures enrich the learning environment 4. Additionally, all residents are encouraged to engage in research, producing structured abstracts or manuscripts suitable for publication as a requirement of the program. This fosters a culture of inquiry and academic excellence, pivotal for future careers in ophthalmology 4.

Facilities and Surgical Training

The facilities supporting the program are state-of-the-art. Located within the Cook County Health Professional Building, the Eye Clinic boasts 18 fully equipped exam rooms and a surgical suite with advanced ophthalmic technology, including a range of laser systems and diagnostic imaging tools. The surgical training component is particularly noteworthy, as residents collectively perform over 2,300 major ocular surgeries and 10,000 intraocular injections annually, providing ample opportunity to hone surgical skills 58.

Benefits and Compensation

The program offers a comprehensive benefits package for residents that includes competitive salaries, health insurance options, dental and vision coverage, and a pension plan. Residents enjoy ample paid leave consisting of vacation days, sick days, and paid conference days, alongside a generous meal plan and educational allowances to support their professional growth 2.

Resident Experience

Residents form a closely-knit cohort, participating actively in educational and extracurricular activities including journal clubs, seminars, and social events. Notable opportunities include integration into community networks and encouragement towards research initiatives, fostering both professional and personal growth 3. Furthermore, the program welcomes rotating medical students, providing them with hands-on learning and exposure to the clinical environment, which further enriches the residency's collaborative atmosphere 7.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program supports international applicants by offering sponsorship for non-immigrant visas, including J-1 and H-1B visa types. This capability ensures that qualified international medical graduates have the opportunity to apply for residency positions in this competitive program 6. The Cook County Health Ophthalmology Residency is particularly friendly towards diverse applicants, valuing the qualifications and experiences of both Domestic and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Interested applicants should note specific admission requirements such as a maximum of one failed Step exam and graduation from medical school within the last five years, which can further influence competitiveness for a position in this well-regarded program 6.