The LSU-Ochsner residency program offers a three-year, ACGME-accredited residency in ophthalmology that merges clinical training, academic activities, and research opportunities. Every year, eight new residents are selected through the San Francisco Matching Program.

Curriculum

After completing a one-year internship, the first-year residents begin their rotations through general ophthalmology, oculoplastics-oncology, glaucoma, cornea and external disease, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, retina and posterior segment disease, neuro-ophthalmology, and ocular pathology. During the three-year program, residents gain experience in a wide variety of clinical and surgical situations with diverse patient populations by working in eight medical facilities and 15 clinics in five cities.

Residents assume increasing responsibility for patient care and education in general ophthalmology and all ophthalmic subspecialties. They prepare case presentations, organize journal clubs and special lectures, and assist in teaching medical students rotating in Ophthalmology. In addition, senior residents, together with the attending staff, supervise and teach junior residents. Staff members are assigned to and available for consultation with the resident in all rotations.

At the beginning of each academic year, the residents select the two chief residents. These residents are responsible for organizing and monitoring the weekly grand rounds, acting as a liaison between the residents and faculty, and addressing coverage issues.

In addition to clinical and surgical exposure, residents have other educational opportunities to complete their experience. Clinic scheduling allows the residents to participate in all academic activities (an interactive video link permits everyone to attend from their various geographic locations) on Wednesday afternoons.

A didactic lecture series provides clinical and basic science knowledge to prepare them for the OKAP (Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program) examination. Lectures, group discussions, and audio-visual presentations are included at each weekly meeting. The residents also participate in a continuous home study course based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) home study book series. This course occurs over a 1-year period, cycling three times during a resident’s experience at LSU-Ochsner and is complemented by the didactic lecture series.

A Core Lecture Series covers further aspects of professional life. These monthly lectures present a variety of social, ethical, and professional issues important to a well-rounded education.

Individual research projects round out a resident’s education.

Applications

All applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2007.

In addition to the SF Match application, applicants must submit the results of a recent eye exam and stereo test.

Minimum qualifications:

• Passed USLME Step 1, 2, and 3.
• Eligible for Louisiana State Licensure. http://www.lsbme.org/

Foreign Applicants - all of the above PLUS

• Students must acquire J1 visa through ECFMG GEPT-LA license permit for foreign student.
• Must be certified by the ECFMG. http://www.ecfmg.org/
  All applications are only accepted through: http://www.SFMatch.org

Salary & Benefits

All residents and fellows are employees of LSUHSC as House Officers (no junior faculty status for fellows).

• Health insurance is paid in part by LSUHSC, in part by employee.

Malpractice insurance is paid in full by LSUHSC and provides tail coverage. Please note this only covers work done within the training program, not moonlighting activities.

Disability is provided by LSUHSC. Some house officers like to purchase additional coverage at their expense for added benefits.

There are also optional vision and dental insurance plans.

Vacation is three weeks during the first academic year. Additional time for interviewing is granted as necessary.

For more information, contact Human Resource Management, Benefits Section at (504) 568-7780.

Other Information

All residents must be licensable in the State of Louisiana (www.lsbme.org). License applications should be made as soon as match results are received as it is a lengthy process. Training and pay will be delayed if license is not received prior to scheduled start date.

To receive more information about our academic training, please contact the Ophthalmic Education Coordinator at gabbas@lsuhsc.edu  or visit the SF Match website at http://www.sfmatch.org.