The goal of the ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) fellowship is to complement the basic knowledge gained in the ophthalmology residency program and to provide more extensive exposure to the medical diagnosis, surgical management, and surgical correction of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive disorders as well as the management of neuro-ophthalmic and orbital diseases. Participants will be exposed to the entire gamut of orbital and oculoplastic pathology and the surgical management of these patients. For more fellowship details, please visit the ASOPRS website.
I really feel that fellowship is probably the key and most important part of training. It's the ultimate last step before you're out on your own practicing our program is a two year, very intensive Oculus facial ace operas approved fellowship program, we cover all aspects of ocular facial surgery from functional problems all the way through cosmetic procedures. We see the toughest orbit cases, plenty of bread and butter, ocular plastic surgery. And there's a fairly strong emphasis on uh cosmetic surgery as well. So upon completion of our two year fellowship, the fellows really poised to be able to tackle all aspects of ocular plastic surgery. We have two main ocular plastic surgeons, myself and Dr Otani. We do things quite differently. So the fellow has an opportunity to see two different approaches to each surgical technique which allows them to blend those different approaches and create their own approach. We have a very diverse patient population. We have a large catchment area with one of the biggest county hospitals in the country. Therefore we see significant variety of pathology. We have a very collegial environment and that goes well beyond even the department of ophthalmology. I have a very good working relationship with our plastic surgery department E. N. T. Dermatology, maxillofacial surgery. So there's the ability to have interactions with those different disciplines. The fellow will be exposed to a variety of aesthetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical. This program is well suited for someone who wants to really take advantage of their two year fellowship and learn as much as possible. We certainly provide a significant degree of autonomy to allow one to develop on their own. So for example, when the fellows with me at the county hospital, they really act as the attending, seeing patients having residents ask them questions and then I'm always available if needed for backup to help out with some of those tougher cases. Same goes in surgery as well. We have them as the primary surgeon on those cases. Dallas is a great city. There's every aspect of arts and entertainment one could ever desire really, I think is an excellent place for training. We take fellowship training very seriously. We have one of the best fellowship training programs in the entire country and I think that if one were to choose to come to UT Southwestern for their ace operas fellowship, they would leave immensely prepared for a future as a successful ocular plastic surgeon.
