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RESIDENCY IN
HOSPITAL BASED PRIMARY EYE CARE
MEMPHIS VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
affiliated with
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the residency is to prepare
optometrists to provide full-scope primary care optometry by providing
post-graduate clinical experience beyond that provided in the Doctor of
Optometry program.
Goal 1: Enhance the residentŐs skills in
optometric primary care
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Objective: |
The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision
of primary eye care services. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will provide primary eye care services involving a
minimum of 1000 patient encounters, 500 of which will include obtaining a
case history, visual acuity, refraction, tonometry, and external and internal
ocular health assessment during the encounter. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this
type using the activity log. |
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Goal 2: Strengthen the residentŐs expertise
in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.
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Objective 1: |
The resident will perform the appropriate diagnostic procedures. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will consistently select and successfully perform the
proper diagnostic procedures for each patient. |
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Measure: |
The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to
determine if the desired level of technical and cognitive ability is being
exhibited. |
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Objective 2: |
The resident will determine the correct diagnoses for each patient. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will consistently select the correct diagnosis for each
patient with increasing independence as the residency program progresses. |
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Measure: |
The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess
the appropriateness of the residentŐs diagnostic ability. |
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Objective 3: |
The resident will determine the best management based on the
diagnoses. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will consistently devise an appropriate management plan
for each patient in order to best address the patientŐs needs. |
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Measure: |
The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to asses
the residentŐs management skills. |
Objective 4: The resident will become familiar with the treatment and management of patients with low vision.
Outcome: The resident will examine and prescribe appropriate low vision devices.
Measure: The resident will report the number of exams of this type using the activity log.
Goal 3: Expand the residentŐs knowledge of
specialized diagnostic instrumentation.
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Objective 1: |
The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting
ophthalmic ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and
electrodiagnostic testing. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will perform ophthalmic ultrasonography (A and B-scans),
optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing and interpret the
results. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this
type using the activity log. |
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Objective 2: |
The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting
ophthalmic fluorescein angiography. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will perform 50 or more angiographic procedures
(ophthalmic fluorescein and/or indocyanine green angiography including
participation in the performance of injections management of side-effects and
interpretation of the results. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this
type using the activity log. |
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Objective 3: |
The resident will develop expertise in performing ophthalmic
photography. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will perform ophthalmic photography on at least 50
patients. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this
type using the activity log. |
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Objective 4: |
The resident will develop expertise in ordering and interpreting
relevant laboratory procedures. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will order laboratory procedures on at least 50 patients. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this
type using the activity log. |
Goal 4: Increase the residentŐs knowledge of
systemic diseases and their treatment.
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Objective: |
The resident will acquire additional knowledge of systemic disease and
treatment, particularly those systemic diseases with significant ocular
manifestations. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will coordinate care with non-optometric providers in
management of patients with systemic disease. The resident will participate in relevant presentations
and conferences on systemic disease. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on the number of patient encounters and
participation in conferences of this type using the activity log. |
Goal 5: Develop the residentŐs skill in
presenting topics to fellow professionals.
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Objective: |
The resident will acquire and practice skills needed to effectively
present information to other professionals in group settings. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will present lectures during conferences and other
meetings held at Southern College of Optometry and at the Memphis VAMC and
when possible will present posters or lectures in other settings such as the
American Academy of Optometry and SECO. |
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Measure: |
The resident will report on these types of activities using the
activity log. |
Goal 6: Instill in the resident an
appreciation of the importance of scholarly activity.
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Objective: |
Educate the resident in the preparation of a professional manuscript. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will prepare a publication-quality manuscript on an
approved topic. |
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Measure: |
The resident will complete the manuscript by the designated completion
date. |
CURRICULUM
The educational objectives of the curriculum are intended to ensure
attainment of the mission, goals, and objectives of the program. Consequently, each educational
objective reflects a specific program goal. Specifically:
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Program Goal 1 |
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Objective: |
The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision
of primary eye care services. |
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Learning Activity: |
The resident will provide primary eye care services involving a
minimum of 1000 patient encounters, 500 of which will include obtaining a
case history, visual acuity, refraction, tonometry, and external and internal
ocular health assessment during the encounter. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will develop enhanced skills in the management of primary
eye care patients. |
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Program Goal 2 |
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Objective: |
The residentŐs ocular disease-related diagnostic skills will be
enhanced. |
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Learning Activity: |
The resident will provide services to a significant number of patients
with ocular disease and will formulate a diagnosis based on the results of
the procedures performed. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will become highly proficient in the performance and
interpretation of basic and advanced ocular examination techniques on
patients with ocular disease, and will attain advanced skills in the
management of these patients. |
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Program Goal 3 |
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Objective: |
The resident will utilize a wide variety of diagnostic procedures and
instrumentation while caring for patients. |
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Learning Activity: |
The resident will perform and/or interpret ophthalmic ultrasonography,
ophthalmic fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, anterior segment
photography, electrodiagnostic testing and relevant laboratory procedures. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will develop advanced knowledge of specialized diagnostic
procedures and instrumentation. |
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Program Goal 4 |
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Objective: |
The resident will acquire additional knowledge of systemic disease and
treatment, particularly those systemic diseases with significant ocular
manifestations. |
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Learning Activity: |
The resident will provide eye care to a large number of patients with
systemic disease and will consult with non-optometric providers in the total
care of these patients. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will be able to communicate effectively with physicians
in the comanagement of patients who have systemic disease that impacts their
ocular health. |
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Program Goal 5 |
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Objective: |
The resident will develop and present original presentations to other
health care professionals. |
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Learning Activity: |
The resident will present at least one lecture per quarter during the
regular Residency Conference and when possible will present posters or
lectures in other settings such as the American Academy of Optometry and
SECO. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will develop skills in providing effective presentations
to health care professionals. |
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Program Goal 6 |
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Objective: |
The resident will engage in scholarly activity. |
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Learning Activity: |
The resident will prepare a publication-quality manuscript on an
approved topic that will be reviewed and critiqued by the supervisor. |
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Outcome: |
The resident will develop an appreciation for scholarly activity and
its importance to the profession. |
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. All
applicants must complete and return the Southern College of Optometry
application forms by January 15. Supporting documents should be submitted to
the Director of Residency Programs of Southern College of Optometry no later
than January 31. This program uses
the Optometric Residency Matching Service. Applicants must complete the ORMS application and forward it
to the ORMS as directed in the application. Applicants are responsible for
ensuring that all supporting documentation is submitted to each entity
involved, e.g., the College, ORMS, and the residency site if required.
B. Applicant
must have earned an O.D. degree, or will have earned such a degree by the time
of matriculation from a school/college of optometry accredited by the
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
C. Applicant
will furnish an official transcript from his/her school/college of
optometry. An applicant should
have a cumulative grade point average greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the
professional optometric curriculum.
D. Applicant
must pass all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry
examinations and furnish official transcripts when available.
E. Three
letters of recommendation are required.
F. A
brief essay stating reasons for applying to this program.
G. A
personal interview is required.
H. Southern
College of Optometry affirms that all residency candidates will be evaluated
without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin or disabilities.
LETTER OF INTENT
All applicants selected for admission must sign a standard letter of
intent.
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY
Each residency is one calendar year in length, commencing July first.
A. Five of the six available residency positions are paid through the Memphis VAMC. These residents are defined as employees of the Memphis VAMC and the residency stipend is paid by the VAMC. No tuition or fees are applicable.
1. One of the six available residency positions is paid through a Memphis VA contract with Southern College of Optometry (hereafter referred to as the Ňcontract residentÓ. This residency stipend is paid through Southern College of Optometry. No tuition or fees are applicable.
*Because of this contract position, non-US citizens may apply for the Memphis VA residency program.
B. Applicant
must pass all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry
examinations required for Tennessee license and furnish official transcripts
when available. If accepted, the
resident is expected to obtain a Tennessee optometry license.
C. Professional liability protection for residents for professional activity performed at the Memphis VAMC is as follows:
1. For the Memphis VAMC-paid residents, the above is provided under the Federal Tort claims act. Professional activity at other Southern College of Optometry affiliated clinics is covered by the College policy.
2. For the contract resident, the above will be provided by Southern College of Optometry.
D. Residents
will receive a Southern College of Optometry identification card which will
allow access to campus facilities.
E. Residents
will be required to present credentials according to the Memphis VAMC policy
for credentialing of residents.
F. Residents
privileges will be determined by Memphis VA policy.
LEAVE POLICY
All residents are eligible for sick and annual leave.
1. The Memphis VAMC-paid residents are eligible for approximately 10 days of paid annual leave. Government and other holidays are also paid.
2. The contract resident is eligible for approximately 10 days of unpaid annual leave. Government and other holidays are also unpaid. Please note:
*The contract position stipend is paid at a slightly higher rate to offset the costs of these adjusted benefits, essentially providing the contract resident with the equivalent of 10 paid leave days.
CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY
A. The
resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level which is
satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor, the Residency Committee, Director of
Residency Programs, and the SCO and Memphis VAMC administrations. Normal clinic hours are from 7:15 A.M.
until patient care is completed, usually around 6:00 P.M., Monday through
Friday, with the resident in clinic four days per week. Other educational activities may be
scheduled on the fifth day. Additionally,
the clinic meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each
month. Residents will rotate individually
through this clinic, with each resident being responsible for approximately 5
Saturdays per year. The resident is expected to be present during all
scheduled working hours, except Wednesday morning when attending resident
conferences and doing study or research.
Since the Optometry Section is not responsible for on-call services the
resident will not be required to be on call at the Memphis VAMC.
B. The
resident is required to keep a record of patient contacts. Cases will be reviewed periodically by
the Supervisor of the Residency Program, the Director of Residency Programs,
and the Residency Committee.
C. The
resident is required to write a publication quality paper based on original
research, literature review, or a clinical case.
D. The
resident is expected to perform in a professional manner in the delivery of
patient care services and to observe those proprieties of conduct and
courtesies that are consistent with the rules and regulations governing Memphis
VAMC.
E. The
resident is required to participate in and complete the requirements set forth
in the curriculum.
F. Upon
successful completion of the Residency Program, the Residency Supervisor and
the Director of Residency Programs will recommend the granting of certification
to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
H. Any
resident accepted for training can be dismissed, without receiving a certificate
of completion, for infractions of the rules and regulations of the Memphis VAMC
or those set forth by Southern College of Optometry, or for any action which
jeopardizes the safety of patients, personnel, or physical facilities.
STIPEND
1. The current stipend for Memphis VAMC-paid residents is $31,965.
2. The current stipend for the contract position is $18.83 per hour with a probable average of 40 hours per week*.
* This higher rate offsets the additional out-of-pocket costs required of this resident.
HEALTH INSURANCE
1. Health insurance is available to the Memphis VAMC-paid residents through the VA at decreased group rates. Part of the premium is also paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Health insurance is available to the contract resident through Southern College of Optometry.
*The contract position stipend is paid at a slightly higher rate to offset the costs of these adjusted benefits. See ŇStipendÓ above.
OTHER EMPLOYMENT
Other employment (moonlighting) is permissible during the residency year
provided it does NOT interfere with
the primary responsibility of veteran care. Also, the VA malpractice insurance does NOT cover work performed outside the VA facility to non-veterans.
ACCREDITATION
The residency program at Memphis VAMC is accredited by the Accreditation
Council on Optometric Education, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141,
314-991-4100.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon satisfying all the requirements for completion of the program as
determined by the Supervisor of the Residency Program and the Director of the
Residency Programs, a Certificate of Completion will be awarded to the resident
by Southern College of Optometry.
REPORTING STATUS
The resident reports to the Supervisor of the residency program. The Supervisor reports directly to the
SCO Director of Residency Programs who in turn reports directly to the Vice
President of Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Cheryl E. Ervin, O.D.
Director of Residencies
Southern College of Optometry
1245 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 722-3201
email: cervin@sco.edu