USC ELECTIVE

OPTH D620

Ophthalmology

Faculty: Richard M. Davis, M.D. - Professor and Chair
Thomas J. Federici, M.D. - Course Director
V. Al Pakalnis, M.D
Edward Cheeseman, Jr, M.D.
Kenneth B. Mitchell, M.D.
Julie H. Tsai, M.D.
Charles L. Walvoord, M.D.
Angela Abraham, O.D.

Institution: USC School of Medicine
Palmetto Health Richland
Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Duration: 4 weeks

Course Offered: Throughout academic year (not available in  December or July)

Number of Students: 1 or 2 per rotation

*USC SOM Third Year Elective -Spring Only

Students Report To: Lisa Eifert, Staff Assistant, Ophthalmology  Suite 301, 4 Medical Park (803) 434-7699.

This 4-week elective complements the ophthalmology program (Physical Diagnosis in the M-II year). The course is designed to present in depth various topics in basic ophthalmic subjects as well as common ocular diseases (cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).

Emphasis is placed on detailed instruction on the essentials of the eye exam as well as ongoing research projects in which the student wishes to participate under faculty guidance. The student is introduced to sophisticated examining equipment - slit lamp biomicroscope, retinoscope, tonometer, ultrasound, etc., used in the eye clinic and is expected to learn to use them. There is ample opportunity to see a large number of patients with a variety of ocular pathologies and to observe ophthalmic microsurgery. The student will be expected to attend the weekly clinical grand rounds and didactic lectures while on the rotation. The course is sufficiently in depth to enable a student to further consider ophthalmology as a career choice. It is also invaluable to any student who plans to train in any of the primary care specialties or in another discipline (neurology, neurosurgery) where additional ophthalmology knowledge is essential. Each student will be assigned to a faculty member and will work with all the residents, but may be assigned to one or more residents.