Cornea and External Disease Fellowship
Glaucoma
Ophthalmology Fellowship
Medical Retina Fellowship
Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship
Ophthalmic Plastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship
Retina-Vitreous
Fellowship
Uveitis
Fellowship
Continuing
Education During Fellowship Years
Funding
Mechanism
Application
for Fellowship
Clinical Instructors
Who
To Contact
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS
The Doheny Eye Institute, established in 1947, is among the top 10 eye centers in the country. Affiliated with the University of Southern California (USC) Department of Ophthalmology, Doheny offers comprehensive programs in research, outpatient clinical care and physician education. Dozens of basic and clinical research studies are currently underway under the direction of nationally and internationally known investigators, including ophthalmologists, cell biologists, chemists, pharmacologists and biomedical and computer engineers. In addition to well equipped and staffed laboratory facilities, Doheny houses a dedicated ophthalmology library. A full schedule of didactic lectures and continuing education seminars is provided throughout the year.
Specialized and general outpatient care is offered by more than 20 ophthalmologists who hold joint appointments at the USC Department of Ophthalmology. A full array of diagnostic testing is available at Doheny to patients who may be referred by community ophthalmologists or who are self-referred, including photography, electrophysiology, echography, pathology, microbiology, all forms of quantitative and qualitative visual field testing, and eye movement evaluation. Fellows and residents participate in this clinical care setting, and also provide care for ophthalmology patients at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, where they have the opportunity to study the entire spectrum of eye disease.
These resources provide an ideal academic and clinical environment for post-residency training in subspecialty areas. Each of the subspecialty programs affords the fellow outstanding clinical experience with personalized instruction. Additionally, participation in ongoing research projects and in instruction of residents provides fellows with excellent preparation for leadership within the field of ophthalmology through an academic appointment.
The Doheny Eye Institute and the University of Southern California are proud to offer post-residency fellowships in all of the major subspecialties of ophthalmology. The goal of these fellowships is to train ophthalmologists who are interested in pursuing a full-time career in academic and research medicine. All programs are designed to provide thorough clinical and surgical training as well as ample opportunity for investigative research. Each program is tailored according to the individual fellow’s goals and interests.
Cornea and External Disease Fellowship
CORNEA AND EXTERNAL DISEASE FELLOWSHIP BROCHURE (PDF)
The cornea and external disease fellowship is a rigorous one-year study of all aspects of corneal and external disease. Collectively, the interests of the five physicians in this subspecialty cover a wide range of clinical problems and research studies, but all have a common interest in corneal transplantation (penetrating, anterior/posterior lamellar) and anterior segment surgery, including limbal stem cell/amniotic membrane transplantation, cataract and refractive surgery using excimer laser, wavefront sensing and new intraocular lens technology.
Approximately 60 percent of the fellow’s time will be spent assisting faculty in the evaluation and management of patients with external and corneal disease who are referred by community ophthalmologists to the Doheny Eye Medical Group. The fellow will assist on surgical procedures and will be closely involved with postoperative management. The fellow will observe and perform refractive surgery cases as well as participate in the evaluation of patients referred for complex refractive surgery problems.
Approximately 20 percent of the fellow’s time will be devoted to clinical activities associated with the Cornea and External Diseases Service at the LAC+USC Medical Center. Under staff direction, the fellow will be responsible for supervising the weekly Cornea and External Disease and Corneal Refractive Surgery Clinics. In addition, the fellow serves as primary consultant and surgeon on penetrating keratoplasty cases referred by the Ophthalmology Resident Service and assists the residents in corneal and cataract surgery.
The remaining 20 percent of the fellowship may be spent in laboratory and clinical research. Current laboratory research projects include limbal stem cell identification, expansion, and application to ocular surface diseases. New imaging technologies such as optical coherence e tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy are used to diagnose anterior segment diseases and study corneal, refractive and cataract surgery techniques.
The full-time staff and facilities of the Doheny Eye Institute are available to the fellow, including confocal and electron microscopes, wavefront-guided excimer laser, Orbscan II, and anterior segment OCT imaging technology, as well as a vivarium equipped for practice of ophthalmic surgeries.
CORNEA AND EXTERNAL DISEASE FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION 2009-2010 (PDF)Please submit the following information to Rose Almazan, Cornea Fellowship Coordinator, Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo Street, DEI #5704, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Submit copies of the following with your application:
1. CV.
2. Three letters of recommendation from physicians familiar with your work, including
one from your Chairman or Chief of Service.
2. Undergraduate transcripts.
3. USMLE scores.
4. Certificate of Residency or letter stating status in program.
5. OKAP scores
6. Photo (headshot).
The one-year glaucoma clinical fellowship program encompasses a full breadth of clinical and surgical experience in the high-volume and busy clinics of Doheny Eye Institute and LAC+USC Medical Center. The fellow is considered an integral part of the Glaucoma Service and is involved in all aspects of medical- and surgical-care of complex and challenging cases.
The fellow will learn to perform and interpret advanced retinal imaging techniques including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT), and GDx Scanning Laser Polarimetry to aid in diagnosis and serial management of cases. Furthermore, the fellow will become adept in utilizing the Visante Anterior Segment OCT for evaluation and management of patients with anterior segment disorders associated with glaucoma including primary and secondary angle closure glaucomas. In addition, the fellow will learn to use high frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy to diagnose various anterior segment pathologies.
Under supervision, the fellow will perform and assist in a variety of laser procedures including peripheral iridectomy, iridoplasty, capsulotomy, selective and argon laser trabeculoplasty, suture lysis, and surgical procedures including limbus- and fornix-based trabeculectomy with anti-metabolites, releasable suture techniques, aqueous shunt procedures (Baerveldt, Ahmed, modified Shocket implants), phacoemulsification extracapsular cataract extraction, secondary intraocular lens implantation, trabectome angle-surgery procedure, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, drainage of choroidal effusions, bleb-leak revision, and goniosynechialysis.
The fellow will spend 4 ˝ days per week at the Doheny Eye Institute working closely with three full-time glaucoma specialists. In addition, the fellow also spends one-half day per week teaching and staffing the Resident Glaucoma Clinic at LAC+USC Medical Center, as well as serving as supervising surgeon for resident glaucoma surgical cases. The fellow also participates in weekly glaucoma conferences and journal clubs to discuss the management of complex cases and current issues in glaucoma management.
In addition to these clinical responsibilities, the fellow is required to perform at least one research project. The glaucoma faculty is currently participating in research related to epidemiologic studies of Latinos with glaucoma, advanced imaging of the optic nerve and anterior segment with optical coherence tomography and new drainage device development. Fellows may select a study in one of these areas and work under the supervision of a faculty member in their area of interest.
At the completion of the glaucoma clinical fellowship, the fellow will be well-trained in all aspects of glaucoma care and will have a solid understanding of cutting-edge glaucoma research and technology, allowing a smooth transition to a career in academic medicine or clinical practice.
This medical retina fellowship is designed to provide intensive and comprehensive clinical training in the diagnosis and medical management of retinal diseases. In addition to extensive exposure to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and vascular occlusive disease, fellows will gain experience with inherited retinal degenerations, posterior segment tumors and inflammatory diseases, as well a variety of rare disorders. The training sites will include the Doheny Eye Institute and the LA County Eye clinics. The fellow will also receive intensive training in retinal image interpretation at the image reading center and will participate in a weekly retina didactic program.
In addition to the SF central application, please submit the following information to Pat Anguiano, Fellowship Coordinator, Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo Street, No. 3618, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Submit copies of the following:
CV
Undergraduate transcripts
USMLE scores
Certificate of Residency or letter stating status in program
Certificate of Transitional year/Internship
OKAPS scores
Photo
Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship
The applicant may chose to apply for a one year clinical fellowship or a two year clinical and research combined fellowship. During the first year of the clinical/research fellowship program or the one year clinical fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology, the fellow is immersed in clinical care. This experience entails a relatively intense exposure to neuro-ophthalmic patients in the clinics of Drs. Alfredo Sadun and Peter Quiros at the Doheny Eye Institute. Additionally, the fellow supervises the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at the LAC+USC Medical Center. The neuro-ophthalmology program also exposes the fellow to a considerable amount of surgery and procedures. Typically, there are six cases per week in which the fellow is expected to participate. Approximately, one-third of these cases are in orbit, one third in paralytic strabismus, and one-third in ocular plastics. In addition, the fellow participates in twice monthly blepharospasm/Botox clinics. The neuro-ophthalmology fellow also participates in the teaching program and, together with residents rotating through this service, prepares for one to two conferences in neuro-ophthalmology per week.
By the end of the first year, the neuro-ophthalmology fellow is expected to have taken on at least one research interest. This may be in clinical research or in basic laboratory science; however, at least some exposure in basis science is expected. There are a number of laboratories at the Doheny Vision Research Center to which clinical fellows can avail themselves for resources. Among fellows’ research options are studies of retinal ganglion cell anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. In the second year there will be some protected time to permit the fellow to become more deeply involved in research and to publish in areas of greatest research interest.
Our neuro-ophthalmology fellows are very well trained in all aspects of neuro-ophthalmology, including both out-patient and in-patient sensory, pupil and orbit. The surgical experience is extremely broad and includes plastics and orbit as well. The fellow is provided with resources and encouraged to do research and to present at appropriate meetings.
Ophthalmic Plastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship
The Bernice Z. Brown Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic, Orbital & Reconstructive surgery is a two-year fellowship. The goal of this program is to provide the fellow in-depth exposure to all aspects of functional, reconstructive and aesthetic ophthalmic plastic surgery. The fellow is expected to become an integral member of our surgical team, providing high quality, innovative care in ophthalmic plastic, reconstructive and orbital surgery at a tertiary-care academic institution. Several specialty collaborations will add to the fellow's experience, including cooperation with Dermatology, Head and Neck surgery and Oral Maxillofacial surgery. Clinics are located at the Doheny Eye Institute, LAC+USC Medical Center, and Los Angeles Childrens Hospital. The fellow will serve as primary physician at the LAC+USC Medical Center Oculoplastics Service with faculty supervision.
By the end of the first year the fellow is expected to have taken on research interests, which may be clinical or basic science in nature. The fellow will be expected to publish and present at appropriate meetings. There are numerous resources available within the Division of Ophthalmic Plastic, Orbital and Reconstructive Surgery, Doheny Vision Research Center and the Eye Concepts Laboratory for clinical, basic science and biomedical engineering projects.
OPHTHALMIC PLASTIC, ORBITAL, AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION 2009-2011 (PDF) The retina-vitreous fellowship provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis and medical and surgical management of diseases of the retina and vitreous. The fellowship is divided between the very busy Retina-Vitreous Service at the LAC+USC Medical Center and the Doheny Eye Medical Group.At LAC+USC Medical Center fellows serve as clinical instructors and together with the full time faculty staff the surgeries. Fellows also supervise the residents in the repair of retinal detachments by scleral buckle. Along with the full time faculty they staff the Diabetic Retina Clinic, Retinopathy of Prematurity Clinic and the Vitrectomy Clinic .
At Doheny, fellows assist in surgical cases and are closely involved in postoperative management. They actively participate in the clinics of the full time faculty. Their remaining time is devoted to clinical and/or basic science research. The research interests of the faculty include a wide variety of clinical and basic science projects involving ocular trauma, laser technology, age related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, retinal imaging, oncology, surgical device development and artificial retina development.
In addition to the SF central application, please submit the following information to Pat Anguiano, Fellowship Coordinator, Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo Street, No. 3618, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Submit copies of the following:
CV
Undergraduate transcripts
USMLE scores
Certificate of Residency or letter stating status in program
Certificate of Transitional year/Internship
OKAPS scores
Photo
The uveitis/intraocular inflammation fellowship consists of one year of in-depth study of all facets of uveitis and other ocular inflammatory diseases, as well as intense training in clinical immunology.
Approximately 40 percent of the fellow’s time will be spent assisting faculty in the evaluation and management of uveitis patients referred by community ophthalmologists to the Doheny Eye Medical Group.
Twenty percent of the fellow’s time will be allotted to clinical activities associated with the Uveitis Service at the LAC+USC Medical Center. Under the direction of Dr. Narsing Rao, the fellow is directly responsible for supervising the weekly Uveitis Clinic. The fellow also serves as primary consultant on cases referred by the Ophthalmology Resident Service and assists in surgery related to uveitis.
About 10 percent of the fellow’s time is spent in the weekly AIDS-ophthalmic care clinic at LAC+USC Medical Center. The fellow serves as primary consultant on cases referred to this clinic and participates in ongoing clinical trials there.
The remaining 30 percent of the fellowship is spent in basic laboratory and clinical research. Projects currently underway include investigation of all aspects of uveal inflammation, including basic and clinical immunology and the biochemistry of ocular inflammations, vitreous flurophotometry, and the mechanisms of experimental lens-induced uveitis and retinal S-antigen uveitis.
Continuing Education During Fellowship Years – All Fellowships
Because fellowships at the Doheny Eye Institute are designed for those interested in pursuing a full-time career in academic and/or research ophthalmology, presentation of papers at major meetings is strongly encouraged. Generally, if the fellow has been accepted to deliver a paper at a major scientific meeting in the continental United States (e.g., Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, or another subspecialty meeting), travel and per diem expenses will be reimbursed by Doheny. In addition, each fellow will be expected to present papers at an annual meeting at Doheny. Society membership fees are the responsibility of the fellow; these are usually available, as are subscription rates to major journals, at a reduced rate to individuals in a formal training program.
Funding Mechanism – All Fellowships
Stipends may be awarded only to fellows who have a valid California medical license. Additionally, fellows are required to apply for supplemental funding, to include the Heed Fellowship, NIH Fellowship and Fight-for-Sight Fellowship. As availability of funds and filing requirements vary, applicants should contact their department chairperson and/or the funding source directly.
Doheny Eye Institute pays the yearly malpractice insurance premium for each fellow.
Application for Fellowship – All Fellowships
A formal application procedure must be followed for all fellowships at DEI/USC. To apply, please forward the following items to the physician (see below) responsible for the fellowship you seek:
A letter of intent describing your desire for the fellowship, particular aptitudes and credentials, and career goals.
A curriculum vitae.
A letter of support from your department chair, and letters of recommendation
from at least three ophthalmologists involved in your training.
ALL MEDICAL AND RETINA-VITREOUS FELLOWSHIPS must complete the AUPO fellowship match application, which can be found at www.SFmatch.org
In addition to the SF central application, please submit the following information to Pat Anguiano, Fellowship Coordinator, Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo Street, No. 3618, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Submit copies of the following:
CV
Undergraduate transcripts
USMLE scores
Certificate of Residency or letter stating status in program
Certificate of Transitional year/Internship
OKAPS scores
Photo
DEI/USC fellowship applications or requests for additional information should be addressed to the coordinator of the program (see below) at:
Department of Ophthalmology
USC Keck School of Medicine
Doheny Eye Institute
1450 San Pablo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
For further information regarding DEI/USC fellowships. For individual fellowship information contact:
| Cornea and External Disease | Samuel Yiu M.D., Ph.D. | (323) 442-6504 |
| Contact | Rose Almazan | (323) 442-6448 |
| Glaucoma | Rohit Varma, M.D., M.P.H. |
(323) 442-6411 |
| Contact | ||
| Medical Retina Fellowship | SriniVas Sadda, M.D. | (323) 442-6503 |
| Contact | Meena Agrawall | (323) 442-6551 |
| Neuro-Ophthalmology | Alfredo A. Sadun, M.D., Ph.D. | (323) 442-6417 |
| Contact | Michelle Cox | (323) 442-6418 |
| Ophthalmic Plastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery | Eli L. Chang, M.D. | (323) 442-6405 |
| Contact | Wilma McConnell | (323) 442-6421 |
| Retina-Vitreous Disease | Lawrence P. Chong, M.D. | (323) 442-6538 |
| Contact | Pat Anguiano | (323) 442-6467 |
| Uveitis | Narsing Rao, M.D. | (323) 442-6645 |
| Contact | Cynthia Carreon | (323) 442-6645 |