Ophthalmology
Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship
We are excited that you are interested in our program. We train three clinical neuro-ophthalmology fellows per academic year. The fellows rotate through the Neuro-Ophthalmology services at four Harvard Ophthalmology hospital affiliates, with most of their time spent at Mass Eye and Ear. We provide ~20% protected time for fellows to conduct clinical research, with the expectation that they will publish their work by the end of their first year of fellowship. We also offer a robust lectureship series throughout the program, and fellows participate in two weekly teaching conferences.
The Neuro-Ophthalmology Service was founded by the world-renowned pathologist and neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. David Cogan in the 1950s. Since then, it has been continued to be led by international leaders in neuro-ophthalmology, including Drs. Simmons Lessell and Joseph Rizzo III, who have grown it into one of the largest Neuro-ophthalmology services in the world. Our faculty include clinician scientists across several Harvard Ophthalmology affiliates, including Mass Eye and Ear, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Mass General Hospital, and they have varied research and surgical interests.
Highlights
- Fellowship Director: Dean Cestari, MD
- Associate Fellowship Director: Tais Estrela, MD
- Program length: 1 year (beginning in July)
- Number of positions: 3
- Additional faculty: Bardia Abbasi, MD; Marc Bouffard, MD; Bart Chwalisz, MD; John Gittinger, MD; Gena Heidary, MD, PhD; Robert Mallery, MD; Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD; Nurhan Torun, MD
AUPO-Certified
This fellowship is certified by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Fellowship Compliance Committee (AUPO FCC).
Program Details
Clinical Responsibilities
Fellows play a significant role in the assessment, examination, and management of patients referred to the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service—one of the busiest such services in the world.
The fellows also have responsibility in the oversight of our “Consult” service, which provides evaluations for all types of Ophthalmic or Neuro-Visual problems of patients who are referred from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Ophthalmology-trained fellows, can broaden their exposure to common ophthalmic disorders by staffing the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department (for a limited number of hours per month).
Teaching
Fellows play a significant role in the oversight and education of residents and medical students who rotate through our service. This includes helping to manage cases and providing education on the cases seen.
They also are expected to read relevant literature, and to present 1-2 cases per week to the faculty at the Neuro-Ophthalmology conference to allow an open discussion about the management of difficult cases.
Research
All Mass Eye and Ear fellows are required to co-author at least one manuscript with a mentor that is suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Participation in the annual Fellows Course is a requirement that provides an opportunity for fellows to create a manuscript around a pre-determined theme and publish collectively.
Clinical fellows will also perform clinical research as part of their experience. Academic/elective time amounts to a half day per week during fellowship.
Additional Activities
Professional development and attendance at Grand Rounds and the weekly "unknown" neuro-ophthalmology case conference are expected.
All applicants must be eligible for a full medical license per the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. International medical graduates must also be eligible for an H1B visa.
The Neuro-ophthalmology Fellowship participates in the San Francisco Match Program: #8981
To learn more or request an application, contact Dr. Dean Cestari.
Salary
Competitive annual salary.
Malpractice
Malpractice premiums are fully paid by Mass Eye and Ear.
Health Insurance
Individual and family health insurance will be provided through the benefits program of Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
Vacation/Sick Leave
Each fellow is allotted vacation time, with the stipulation that 30 days advance notice is given.
Professional Meetings
Attendance at the NANOS meeting is required. Fellows are also expected to participate in the four-day Lancaster Course in Waterville Maine. These neuro-ophthalmic lectures are presented primarily by Harvard faculty.
