Ophthalmology Sub - Combined Internship

OPHTHALMOLOGY – INTERNAL MEDICINE PRELIM PROGRAM

VCU Health Department of Ophthalmology Combined IM/Ophthalmology Internship

The VCU Health Department of Ophthalmology is excited to announce that we are now providing a combined ophthalmology internship in collaboration with VCU Health Department of Internal Medicine. This integrated training will include 12 weeks of ophthalmology training during the intern year (PGY-1). Individuals that match to our program will be required to complete their internship training at VCU Health.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAM

Overview

The Ophthalmology / Internal Medicine Integrated Curriculum will offer many benefits including:

• A curriculum co-created by the Program Directors of both Internal Medicine & Ophthalmology, with rotations based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC): Section 1- Update on General Medicine; which aim to provide a background in medicine as it will apply to a career in ophthalmology.
• Attaining familiarity and integrating with our health system and culture.
  • Working with your future referring physicians, for example.
• Development of knowledge and skills that will facilitate a rapid transition into your ophthalmology residency program.

The Co-Advisory System

• Residents will receive the benefit of having Co-Directors from both Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology. This collaboration will benefit the resident in obtaining constant feedback and direction from both the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine teams.
• The Ophthalmology Program Director is an integral part of Medicine’s Clinical Competency Committee
• The benefits of “Belonging” to two programs include
  • Social Activities
  • Recruiting
  • Committees | Memberships
  • Co-created curriculums

The Curriculum

Internal Medicine Conference Series will be held on Tuesdays from 12-3pm.

This includes:

• Core Medicine & Specialties (2 hours weekly)
• The last hour rotates each week and will cover of one of the following topics:
  • Wellness/Resilience
  • Quality & Safety
  • House Staff Meeting
  • Scholarship Conference

Ambulatory Morning Report on Elective / Ambulatory Blocks

• Time: 7:30 – 8:00 AM (2-3 times per month on Mon, Wed, Fri)

Common ambulatory topics are presented by residents with a focus on:

• Evidence Based Medicine management
• Physical exam skills
• Workup
• Differential diagnosis
• Physiology

In patient Morning Report

Journal Evidence Based Medicine Curriculum

Sample Rotation Schedule

A tandem block schedule was uniquely designed to optimize the balance between training in the inpatient and ambulatory setting. Residents find that this helps optimize their work life balance.

8 Week Block Sample

• Supports wellness
• Minimizes fatigue

Example:

In Patient* 2 WEEKS

Elective/Ambulatory 2 WEEKS

In Patient* 2 WEEKS

Elective /Ambulatory 2 WEEKS

*In Patient weeks will be with the same service.

 

Each block is a 4-week rotation at VAMC & VCU

General Medicine Wards | 2 blocks | VAMC / VCU

Cardiology | 1 block | VCU

Hematology Oncology | 1 block | VCU

Intensive Care Unit | 1 block | VAMC

Night Float | 1.5 blocks | VAMC / VCU

Emergency Medicine | 1 block | VCU

VAMC Rheumatology (AMB) | 0.5 block | VAMC

VAMC Endocrine (2-week vacation) | 1 block | VAMC

Geriatrics/Medicine consults | 1 block | VCU

OPHTHO (1-week vacation) | 3 blocks | VCU

During the Ophthalmology blocks, all ophthalmology interns will have a 4-week rotation whose curriculum will be based on the AAO BCSC Section 2- Fundamentals of Ophthalmology and Practical Ophthalmology: A Manual for Beginning Residents.

• Lectures
• Examination and Refraction Workshops
• Wet Labs

Residents will also spend 4 individual 2-week rotations in Ophthalmology where they will participate in direct patient care.

• Outpatient clinics
• Hospital Consult Service