Clinical Fellowship in Retina

The proposed fellowship will include exposure to clinical aspects of retina disease management. The fellow will have the opportunity to evaluate both new and existing patients. The pathology will include but not be limited to: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Vascular Diseases, Uveitis, Hereditary Retinal Diseases, Surgical Retinal and Vitreoretinal diseases, including vitrectomy, retinal detachment surgeries, macular surgeries, complex IOL cases, scleral buckling techniques, suprachoroidal drainage, along with pre/post-operative management for surgical cases.

24 months

1. To gain exposure and proficiency in the diagnosis and management of medical and surgical retinal conditions to prepare a candidate for a clinical academic career retinal surgery with subspecialty training.

2. To obtain training in the appropriate use and interpretation of diagnostic tests, including:
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Ultrasonography

3. To develop proficiency in a number of non-surgical procedures, including:
• Laser Photocoagulation
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
• Intravitreal and subTenons injections of pharmaceutical agents

4. To develop proficiency in surgical procedures, including:
• Vitrectomy
      i. Retinal detachment repair
      ii. Macular cases
      iii. Vitreous hemorrhage
• Scleral buckling techniques
• Secondary intraocular lens case

5. To provide exposure to the evaluation of patients with suspected malignancy, the ancillary testing and evaluation of treatment options and management.

6. To develop skills for lecturing to colleagues and residents on various aspects of medical and surgical retinal disease.

7. To develop critical appraisal skills and to be aware of current and completed research in the area of medical retinal disease.

Based upon the attached retina fellowship objectives, the fellow will be evaluated formally by each of the participating vitreoretinal clinicians and surgeons at the completion of each block. These evaluations will be performed in a regular manner (every 3 months) to provide clinical and research related feedback to the fellow to ensure that modifications to clinical/surgical exposure and practice can be made such that all objectives are met through the course of the 2-year fellowship.

The fellow will be expected to maintain a procedural logbook.

The fellow will be scheduled for 2 surgical days and 3 clinic days per week.

On weeks when the fellow is on call, the fellow will have 3 surgical days and 2 clinical days.

2 days per month of dedicated research time will also be scheduled.

The fellow will cover call 16 weeks per year. The fellow will only cover retina call for retinal emergencies, i.e. not general Ophthalmology call.

When on call, the fellow is expected to attend any and all after hours surgical cases, including weekends.

• Candidates must possess a medical degree from a University recognized by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
• Candidates must have completed an Ophthalmology residency that is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
• International Medical Graduates do not need to write additional exams, but must be approved by the PGME Office at Western University
• All non-Canadian trained Ophthalmologists will be required to pass an assessment period taking place over the first 4 - 8 weeks in order to continue with the fellowship (‘PEAP’ – Pre-entry assessment period).

Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae as well as three recent letters of reference from surgical mentors directly to Dr. Munir Iqbal at munir.iqbal@sjhc.london.on.ca
Applications to the Fellowship Programs must include the following:
• Letter of Intent
• Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
• 3 Letters of Reference

Dr. Munir Iqbal, MD, FRCSC

munir.iqbal@sjhc.london.on.ca  

Dr. Munir Iqbal, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Verena Juncal, MD;