University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine Program

The Ophthalmology residency program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center is a comprehensive three-year clinical and basic science training program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Each year, the program admits four residents, resulting in a total of 12 residents at any given time. The program is designed for medical graduates who have completed at least one year of postgraduate training and are entering as PGY-2 trainees.

Training occurs at four primary sites within the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. These include the Residents' Eye Clinic located at the Hoxworth Center, the hospital's emergency room, operating and inpatient rooms, as well as the adjacent Holmes Hospital, which handles most of the residency cataract surgeries. The program also utilizes the Cincinnati Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, featuring an expanded Residents' Clinic and outpatient ophthalmology clinic, which was recently established. Furthermore, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center site includes the Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, providing essential resources for pediatric ophthalmology.

Residents benefit from an extensive educational framework, equipping them for careers in subspecialty fellowship, private practice, or academia. The curriculum emphasizes a dynamic, clinically oriented environment where faculty and residents collaborate closely in a collegial atmosphere. The program encourages innovation and provides the necessary tools for residents to develop their skills in ophthalmology.

Clinical Education

The clinical education component involves supervised outpatient evaluations, treatments, and progressive surgical experiences across the three years of training. Residents initially focus on mastering clinical examination techniques and basic surgical skills before undertaking more complex procedures. They are encouraged to participate in various clinical settings, gaining experience through outpatient clinics, emergency services, private clinics, and VA clinics. An EYESI Surgical Simulator is available for residents to refine their surgical abilities before performing procedures on patients.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is structured into yearly rotations at diverse clinical locations, with particular focus areas established for each year. In the first year (PGY-2), residents rotate through various clinics, gaining hands-on experience with patients while also participating in cataract surgeries. As residents progress into their second year (PGY-3), they gain exposure to subspecialties including Cornea, Glaucoma, and Retina operations, as well as develop clinical decision-making skills while supervising junior residents. The chief year (PGY-4) emphasizes surgical leadership, with opportunities to perform an increased number of primary procedures across different subspecialties.

Didactic Education

The program includes a robust didactic education series consisting of clinically-oriented teaching conferences, basic and clinical science lectures, and monthly journal clubs. Residents engage in Grand Rounds sessions and participate in a spring Research Symposium. Additionally, visiting professors contribute further insights through lectures at various departmental events.

Research Opportunities