Part 2: Advice from the experts: Helpful information for current residents

In this series, experts in the field advise current residents and offer insight into how they can make the most of their time and experience moving forward with their careers.

Video Transcript:

Editor's note: The below transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Joaquin DeRojas, MD:

For residents, I would tell them to come to these meetings, come to AAO, come to ASCRS and some of the smaller meetings, and just learn from these people, learn from these people that you see on the podium. Go up to them. Try to get into the small meetings too, where you can actually have more one on one interactions with them. And try to learn as much as possible about those topics that you're not getting as much in your fellowship or your residency, because this is the place where you can make those connections, and you can even have those real world experiences, and setting them up here

Michael Singer, MD:

Ophthalmology is changing. The concept that you're going to basically go out on your own and hang up your shingle and make a practice is long gone. You're going to have to be able to join a group that you have scale. The big question will be, is whether or not you want to go by yourself, meaning not by yourself, but a group that is not affiliated with PE, or a group that is affiliated with PE. And there are pluses and minuses to both. You know, obviously, when you work for someone else, you don't have to deal with the risk, but you don't get the reward, and you lose autonomy. Obviously, even in a group, you're going to have to share autonomy with your partners, but their motivations are slightly different than people in PE. So again, I think it's what type of lifestyle you want–how much do you want to be your own boss. I do believe that both models will survive, but both will have to adapt, because a lot of the things that we work on really have to do how our insurance companies dictate our treatment algorithms, as opposed to what we would like to do.

Nathan Radcliffe, MD:

For residents today who are learning cataract surgery, it's a great time–watch a lot of videos. I encourage you to practice with a microscope when there isn't a patient in the room, and take your time and get really comfortable with the foot pedals. There's just so much you can learn from the surgeons training you. I even tell people all the time, don't be afraid to get to know your device reps. There are people in that room who may know the phaco machine extraordinarily well and can really help you gain a deeper understanding. So take advantage of all the resources around you.