Real World Ophthalmology networking offers early-practice career advice

Video transcript

Note: This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD: Hi, this is Lisa Nijm. I am here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Chicago. I wanted to share with you some pearls from our Real World Ophthalmology 'After Dark' networking reception on Friday evening. We had roundtable discussions with physician leaders in the field and all the nine major subspecialty societies spanning clinical, business, and personal growth topics. We discussed things like cataract surgery pearls, passing your boards, contract negotiations, tips for jobs.

I really think what one of the common themes was is to get mentors early, and not just one mentor, but a team of mentors who can kind of help you with navigating those clinical and inevitable business and other topics that come up as you enter early practice.

I think another important topic that we had discussed was contract negotiation. I also spoke on that today at the YO [Young Ophthalmologists] program. We covered tips as far as knowing what you want, knowing what you're worth, looking for different salary data so that you have an idea of what a fair offer would be. One of the tips there was to identify different resources that you can use. MGMA data is available usually at the residency programs. I also really advise asking your mentors, your faculty, and your alumni, as well as the job recruiters to get an idea of what the average salary is and what you can kind of expect compensation going out in your particular subspecialty and your area of geographic location.

And so, we're going to continue these discussions at the Real World Ophthalmology at the next virtual meeting. If you weren't able to join us at Academy, we really hope you join us there. It's Saturday, November 5, from 8 am to 5:30 pm Central Time. It's all virtual, and it's free. We cover important clinical, business, and personal growth areas for young ophthalmologists. Really, the ideas that encompass everything you need to succeed in early practice. We had over 70 faculty at our last meeting, program chairs, academic chairs, prominent leaders in private practice, and a lot of young ophthalmologists with inspirational and personal tips themselves. So thank you for watching and we hope to see you on Saturday, November 5. Take care.