Young ophthalmologists can participate in global ophthalmology by many different means, from research and short-term trips to practicing long-term in underserved areas. At an Oct. 16 session during AAO 2016, four young ophthalmologists shared their tips for working overseas. Here are three key insights from the event.
1. Plan ahead
Sasapin Grace Prakalapakorn, MD, highlighted multiple options to do international research, from basic science to epidemiology and clinical trials. However, she noted that many of these require institutional review board approval, which may take months to obtain. When pursuing an international research project, she encouraged YOs to think and plan ahead.
Craig J. Chaya, MD, said short-term international missions can require even longer lead time and thoughtful planning of long-term goals. He has done short-term international missions in Micronesia, Ghana, Nepal and other countries.
Dr. Chaya said such trips need to be coordinated carefully with local teams. (Short-term trips may also require approval from the local government or health authority.) He recommended ophthalmologists allow at least one and a half years to plan a short-term mission trip.
Lastly, Dr. Chaya stressed the importancer of building a team with clearly defined roles.
2. Know and use your resources
Anna G. Gushchin, MD, said the Moran International Fellowship helped her discover a way to do international oculoplastics outreach sustainably. She also recommended YOs consult the www.yo2go.org website, which has resources that connect YOs to training and career opportunities.
The Academy also developed the Global Ophthalmology Guide for doctors interested in working overseas, whether short-term or long-term
3. Set realistic expectations and think long-term
For ophthalmologists interested in long-term service, John M. Cropsey, MD, said it's important to set realistic expectations. “Practicing full-time overseas in a majority-world context will take you to your limit day in and day out,” he said.
“At your front door, each and every morning, you will be greeted by cross-cultural confustication, bone-crushing poverty, all things broken (bodies, eyes, machines), inefficient bureaucracy, political games with rules and players unknown to you, and many other challenges. But why not serve where the burden of blindness is greatest and where ophthalmologists are needed the most?”
Dr. Cropsey shared how he led a team of 60 ex-patriots as they turned Kibuye Hope Hospital in rural Burundi into the premier teaching hospital of the Great Lakes region of Africa. Over the past three years, Kibuye Hope Hospital has grown to serve thousands of patients and now trains Burundian medical students and residents.
Dr. Cropsey is also working to build a sustainable facility. As he told YO Info in a 2014 interview, he wants patient fees to cover the hospital expenses. That way, the hospital can support the Burundian ophthalmologists Dr. Cropsey hopes will eventually take over the operation.