Guide to an Ophthalmology Elective
TLDR: The ophthalmology elective is an excellent opportunity for you to immerse yourselves to gain clinical exposure, academic opportunities and explore potential career paths. Whether you're interested about the latest cutting-edge technology in the field, or curious about how eye care services are delivered in lower-income regions, an ophthalmology elective can be an incredibly enjoyable and fruitful experience. This guide is designed to help you plan, maximise, and reflect on your elective.
1. Planning and Organising Your Ophthalmology Elective
A. The Initial Research
Explore Institutions: Firstly, decide whether you would like to stay in the UK for your elective, or use this as an opportunity to travel overseas! Depending on what you would like to gain from your elective, you may decide to choose institutions with cutting-edge technology and research, or destinations in less-developed parts of the world to explore ophthalmology services that are offered in these areas. If you are more leaning towards the latter, it may be worth getting in touch with charities such as Orbis and Seva to inquire about any clinical attachments that they may be offering.
Consider Timing: Most medical schools will offer the elective placement in the final year of studies over 6-8 weeks, although this may vary. Once you have narrowed down on the destination/ institution, I would recommend getting in touch with the specific dates of your elective placement to confirm that they have the capacity to accommodate you during that period.
Review Any Specific Requirements: If you are planning to travel overseas for your elective, you may need to be vaccinated, or apply for travel visas – it is always helpful to start this process early if this is the case, as this can often take a while. In addition, some institutions may ask for specific documents such as letters of recommendation and personal statements, it is also a good idea to start thinking about this well in advance.
B. Confirming Your Plans
· Set clear goals: After identifying the destination/ institution, I would advise writing down a list of goals you would like to achieve during your elective placement, and any particular subspecialty that you are interested in. This could range from clinical exposure, academic research, specific clinical skills (for example, learning how to use a slit lamp).
· Connect with Potential Supervisors: During your research into the available opportunities, I would advise identifying potential supervisors early and reaching out to them to express your interest. Your supervisor will ultimately be in charge of overseeing your placement, so liaising with them early would be helpful to come up with a schedule that is tailored to your learning objectives
C. Finalise Logistics
Explore sponsorships and grants: Many medical schools will offer scholarships and grants to fund elective placements, especially if you are planning to travel abroad. It would be useful to check this out before booking any accommodation or flights (see below).
Organize Accommodation: If you have chosen to do your elective overseas, try to seek out and arrange where you will be staying well in advance. Some placements will offer hospital accommodation for free or at a reduced price, so it is definitely worth asking!
Organize Travel: Alongside accommodation, book any flights and additional transport early
Dress code: Some elective placements may ask you to bring your own scrubs or white coat. This is also worth checking with your chosen institution.
2. Making the Most of your Ophthalmology Elective Experience
A. Be Proactive
Read up in Advance: Just like any clinical placement at medical school, you will find your elective more useful and enjoyable if you read up on the particular condition/ surgical procedure prior to the clinic or theatre session. The American Academy of Ophthalmology Education app is a great starting point, and handy to have on your phone/ tablet to take around during your placement.
Ask Questions: Show your interest in the subject by asking questions while you are observing. This is where reading up beforehand would be extremely helpful.
Volunteer for Hands-On Opportunities: If appropriate, ask if you could practise performing fundoscopy, examinations under the slit-lamp, or even assist in minor procedures under supervision.
B. Engage with the Team
Build Rapport: Introduce yourself to the doctors, nurses and other members of the MDT on day one and try to integrate yourself into the team as much as possible.
Ask for Feedback: If you have volunteered to practise specific clinical skills, actively seek feedback from your seniors to reflect on how you could improve upon this
Participate Actively: Offer to take part in, or lead case discussions, or journal clubs if these are available.
C. Consider Research Opportunities
Collaborate on Projects: If time permits, participate in ongoing research studies or case reports. This can enhance your CV and provide insight into academic ophthalmology.
Present at Conferences: Ask your mentors about opportunities to present interesting cases or posters at local, regional or national ophthalmology meetings.
D. Immersing in the Local Culture
If your elective takes place in a different city or country (as I did in Hong Kong), take time to:
Try Local Cuisine: Be adventurous with street food and restaurants alike…
Visit Historical and Cultural Sites: Explore historical landmarks, museums, galleries and any other interesting places unique to the city
Integrate with local colleagues: I would often spend time after placement, or on weekends with colleagues local to Hong Kong, who made the best tour guides around the city!
3. After your Elective
A. Reflect on Your Experiences
Keep a Journal: Take note of any interesting cases that you have seen or discussed with your seniors, and any additional achievements such as case presentations
Create a Logbook: Document all clinics and surgical procedures that you have shadowed, observed or assisted with, as this would be great to include in your portfolio for future specialty applications
B. Stay in touch
Stay in touch with your supervisors and peers from the elective. They can provide career guidance, offer research opportunities and potentially write letters of recommendation for you in the future.
