Introduction

The Department of Ophthalmology offers a discipline-based Pathway for senior students. The Ophthalmology Discipline-Based Pathway provides basic experience in Ophthalmology, with additional exposure to various subspecialties of Ophthalmology. Because Ophthalmology is a field that touches almost all of medicine, students are encouraged to diversify their course selection. Hospital-based, clinic-based, and urgent-care courses are encouraged, as is exposure to both pediatric and geriatric practices.

Any student interested in pursuing Pathways in Ophthalmology is encouraged to reach out to the Pathway Director early in your medical school career.

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Co-Pathway Directors:

Christina Lippe, M.D.
christina.lippe@gmail.com

Meghan Berkenstock, M.D.
mberken2@jhmi.edu

Email is the preferred method of contact.

Drexel Administrative Support for Ophthalmology:
Linda Greco
215-991-8520
lag64@drexel.edu

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Goals And Objectives

The primary goal of the Ophthalmology Department's senior year discipline-based pathway is to provide a framework for students to structure their year in preparation for a future career in Ophthalmology. Students choosing to go into Ophthalmology participate in an early match in their senior year, and then do an internship of their choice before entering their Ophthalmology residency for a three year training program. Ophthalmology is a far-ranging discipline in which the practitioner sees young and old patients with both systemic and localized diseases, as well as patients with conditions necessitating surgery. Therefore, the Department of Ophthalmology encourages students to take electives that will expose them to the many and varied conditions that they will be encountering in caring for future patients.

Emergency Medicine and Required Subinternship must be taken at "home," and all other courses may be taken at "home" or "away" sites.

The Ophthalmology required rotation should be taken early in the year, due to the early match. The student may require some acquaintance with the field in order to make an informed choice of professions, as well as for letters of recommendation. Students are also encouraged to pursue research projects and are encouraged to consider an away elective in ophthalmology early in the 4th year.

Required Courses

Emergency Medicine Subinternship
Emergency Medicine Subinternship is required by the University as a senior year course. During this course we would expect that the student will learn the principles of rapid assessment and stabilization of critically ill and injured patients; learn the initial evaluation and management of the wide range of undifferentiated patient complaints in the Emergency Department; gain skills, specialized examination technique and real-time interpretation of diagnostic studies; participate in common and more advanced procedures.

Required Subinternship Objectives: Ophthalmology Pathway students may select between a required Medicine Subinternship or Surgery Subinternship
By the end of the rotation learners will be able to:

1. Take ownership of their patients and be the primary point person regarding their care.
2. Demonstrate the ability to care for patients with increasing independence while seeking help when appropriate
3. Handle the daily tasks of an intern including preparing for rounds, presenting on rounds, interprofessional knowledge and communication skills, and patient interactions, histories and physicals, note writing of all varieties, and sign-out in a proficient and efficient manner.
4. Apply their knowledge towards diagnosis and management of common acute complaints and chronic conditions, creating care plans and communicating with consultants as necessary.
5. Perform general procedures through demonstration of the necessary preparation and key issues required for the performance of procedures, including understanding patient-specific factors, indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and alternatives. 
6. Demonstrate reliable mechanical skills in performing procedures in most situations and knows when to seek help for procedures or situations beyond the learner’s abilities.
7. Perform safe transitions of care, coordination of care, and discharge planning.

Required Rotation In Ophthalmology
This is a four week course that should familiarize the student with the broad scope of ophthalmic practice, both medical and surgical. The student should become familiar with ophthalmic terms and common eye diseases, as well as with eye findings in systemic diseases.

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Evaluation of the Student
The student's performance in each rotation will be evaluated by supervising physicians, and residents when appropriate, using the standard Drexel University College of Medicine clinical evaluation form. Students not receiving a grade of satisfactory or higher will be counseled and provided with remediation.

Evaluation of 4th year Courses
Upon completion of each rotation, students are encouraged to complete the end-of-rotation evaluation form in DOCSS. Students have the opportunity to provide feedback on the rotation as well as on specific faculty (and residents) with whom they worked in DOCSS. All feedback is de-identified.

Evaluation of the Pathway
Students are encouraged to complete an end-of-year Pathway evaluation for the Pathway. The feedback from this evaluation will help in advising future students more effectively.

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