ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

This two-year fellowship is organized as a comprehensive training period in both medical and surgical retinal disease. One clinical fellow is selected annually through the Fellowship Matching Program.  The Vitreoretinal Fellow assists in the examination and surgery of private patients, participates in the teaching and surgical care of patients seen in the retina clinic at two large institutions, and is expected to attend local, regional, and national conferences and meetings.  During the two years, it is expected that the fellow will have participated in at least 500 vitreoretinal surgeries (more than half as primary surgeon), 300+ laser procedures, and in at least one research project leading to publication.

The first six months and the final six months of the fellowship are spent with Dr. Larry Yannuzzi and colleagues.  This portion of the vitreoretinal experience is spent at the Manhattan Eye and Ear Infirmary and at the private practice of the Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York.  The retina fellow is primarily responsible for supervising activities of the retina clinic and is the primary surgeon for all clinic cases under the supervision of an attending surgeon on the vitreoretinal service of the hospital.  Additionally, fellows spend at least three half days at the private practice office with direct patient contact.

Following the first six months, the Fellow then rotates with Dr. Stanley Chang and his colleagues at Columbia/Harkness Eye Institute for twelve consecutive months.  The Fellow supervises activities in the retina clinic and is the primary surgeon for all cases presenting to the clinic.  The Fellow spends 2 to 3 half days a week in the private practice offices of the vitreoretinal attendings, assisting in the work-up and management of patients.  The Fellow also assists Dr. Chang and his colleagues in the operating room.

At each site, there is an International Fellow who often shares some of the clinical responsibilities and call duties.   Fluorescein /Vitreoretinal Conferences are held weekly at each site. At the conclusion of the fellowship, the graduate will feel comfortable managing all aspects of medical and surgical vitreoretinal disease.