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Interested in learning more about this rotation? Start the process for a free introductory meeting with our team
Physician ID:
317
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor's discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.
Location: Phoenix
This outpatient US clinical experience will take place approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix.
Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Ophthalmology in Phoenix
Specialties: Ophthalmology
Location: Phoenix
Price:
Hospital Letterhead: No
Faculty Appointment: Yes - University of Arizona Phoenix College of Medicine & Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Information about this clinical experience:
This is an outpatient experience where you will be under the supervision of a board-certified ophthalmologist. Over three plus decades, this preceptor has provided high-quality care to patients with a range of eye problems. Educating students has also been a major focus of the practice. The physician is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona Phoenix College of Medicine and will soon be a core faculty member of the newly established ophthalmology residency program at the University of Arizona in Phoenix.
During this clinical experience, rotators will spend two days in clinic seeing patients with general ophthalmological problems as well as consultations for surgeries. This will be an excellent opportunity to understand how patients with a variety of eye problems are diagnosed and managed. Preoperative consultations will provide you with insight into how an ophthalmologist discusses the benefits and risks of procedures, evaluates patients for their readiness to undergo these operations, and answers questions. Time spent in the clinic with the technician and the ophthalmologist will allow you to become more comfortable with the technology and equipment used to evaluate patients, including optical coherence tomography, perimetry, and slit lamp.
Three days per week will be spent in the ambulatory surgery center observing surgeries. On a typical surgery day, this attending performs approximately 10 surgeries. For learners who are more interested in the nonsurgical aspects of ophthalmology, there is an option to spend time with the physician’s colleagues on surgery days. Please note that these colleagues are optometrists rather than ophthalmologists.
Because this ophthalmologist is very specialized, the clinical experience will be largely observational. To make the most of this clinical experience, we recommend that you focus your learning on common ophthalmological complaints (e.g., itching, pain, redness, tearing, visual changes) and conditions (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration). We recommend using the following resource to maximize your learning:
Who should consider this rotation:
International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in ophthalmology.
How to obtain a letter of recommendation:
The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft.
During the rotation:
Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.
Testimonials
Dr. X is an excellent physician and a knowledgeable teacher. One of the doctor's greatest strengths as a preceptor is the ability to recognize and encourage a learner’s strengths while also identifying gaps in knowledge that the learner may not yet recognize. I always felt heard and supported, but I was also consistently challenged to think more critically and grow clinically.
The doctor taught me not only how to interpret laboratory results and imaging, but also how to communicate those findings effectively and compassionately to patients. In particular, I learned how to approach difficult conversations, including delivering a cancer diagnosis, in a way that is both direct and empathetic. These are skills that I know will be invaluable throughout residency and beyond.
The office staff were also incredible and became an important part of my education. They were patient, supportive, and willing to teach, and the entire team created an environment in which I felt trusted to become increasingly independent. I was able to perform and assist with far more procedures than I had expected, largely because of the teaching, supervision, and confidence that Dr. X and the staff placed in me.
This rotation provided an exceptional amount of clinical exposure and hands-on experience. I encountered a wide variety of patients, conditions, procedures, and challenging conversations, and I came away feeling significantly more prepared for residency. I am extremely grateful for the education, mentorship, and trust I received during this rotation.
MP
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