The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program in Ophthalmology is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of ophthalmology. The program offers a robust curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, ensuring residents achieve a high level of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. The training takes place at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, a major academic medical center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, which serves as the primary site for educational and clinical activities.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is structured to provide residents with both foundational knowledge and practical skills in various subspecialties of ophthalmology. The training includes regular lectures, hands-on workshops, and extensive clinical rotations. Residents will engage in patient care, where they are expected to make clinical decisions under supervision, allowing them to develop confidence and proficiency as independent practitioners.
Clinical Rotations
Rotations within the program are carefully designed to give residents exposure to all aspects of ophthalmology. Clinical experiences include general ophthalmology, retina, cornea, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology. Each rotation is tailor-made to allow residents to understand a specific area thoroughly and gain practical experience with diverse patient populations.
During their rotation through the retina service, residents will learn about managing conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and age-related macular degeneration, involving both medication injections and surgical interventions. In the glaucoma rotation, residents will receive training on the management of open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages residents to participate in ongoing research and clinical trials. Research is a critical component of the residency experience, consisting of epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and other innovative research initiatives in ophthalmology. For example, ongoing studies are exploring new treatment methods for various eye conditions, further advancing the field of ophthalmology and providing residents with invaluable experience in evidence-based medicine and clinical research methodologies 5.
Unique Aspects of the Program
A unique aspect of the program is its commitment to a multi-disciplinary approach to eye care, integrating insights and expertise from various medical specialties. This approach is vital in treating complex conditions often requiring collaborative efforts between different specialties.
Furthermore, the program has a strong educational mission. Residents benefit from a vibrant grand rounds program that features distinguished speakers and education opportunities on-site at the medical center. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the competitive nature of ophthalmology practice and board exams 3.
Training Sites
The primary training site is Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and technology. This site provides access to a diverse patient population, enhancing residents' learning experiences through exposure to a broad spectrum of ophthalmic conditions.
Additional rotational sites within regional clinics also cater to specialized needs, allowing for more personalized education in the residents' areas of interest.
Visa Support
The program offers visa support for international medical graduates. Participants seeking residency training may apply for J-1 visas, which are commonly utilized for such educational programs. Program administrators are experienced in navigating visa requirements and will assist candidates through the application process.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
Admission to the program is highly competitive. Candidates with strong academic records, especially those who have excelled on their USMLE Step exams, are prioritized for interviews. There are specific application requirements, including a prohibition on more than one failed attempt at the Step exams, which underscores the program’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards. Additionally, applicants should ideally be graduates from accredited medical schools and demonstrate a genuine interest in ophthalmology through relevant clinical experiences or research 1.
The program is also known for being DO-friendly and actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates. This inclusivity promotes a dynamic learning environment and enriches the resident's training experience.
In summary, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program offers an excellent opportunity for medical graduates to pursue a career in ophthalmology, providing a solid foundation of clinical skills, research involvement, and comprehensive educational resources.
Website
Director
Janine R Eagle, MDAssistant Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics Appointed Since June 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,387First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
90 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Lebanon, NH
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Lebanon, NH
- Crime Rate and Safety: Lebanon, NH is known for its relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place to live and work.
- Fun Activities: The location offers access to a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and beautiful scenic views.
- Climate: Lebanon experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers.
- Races and Population: The population of Lebanon is diverse with a mix of races and ethnicities.
- Education: The area is home to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College, providing opportunities for continuing education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Lebanon, NH is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Lebanon is located approximately 2 hours away from Boston, MA, and 3 hours from Montreal, QC, offering easy access to bigger city amenities.
- Pros: Beautiful natural surroundings, cultural diversity, access to top healthcare and educational institutions.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, limited entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Interview Questions
