The Post Graduate Medical Education at Dalhousie is considered one of the strongest and most stable programs in the country. Director, Dr. Vladimir Kozousek, ensures a well organized program for residents, which provides an abundance of clinical material, excellent surgical experience, and a dedicated teaching faculty with a broad base of clinical perspectives. Our residents have an excellent track record for success at the Royal College examinations, and our graduates have made significant contributions to the quality of ophthalmic care in Atlantic Canada. Approximately 80 percent of recent graduates have established themselves in Atlantic Canada.

Description of Program

PGY1
The first year will provide a broad clinical background for residents entering ophthalmology and to prepare them for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations Part II. The resident will rotate through various areas of medicine and surgery including neurosciences, paediatrics and ophthalmology.

Before spending the year primarily involved in the clinical environment of the comprehensive ophthalmology unit, the resident will attend a national 6 weeks basic sciences course in late spring of the PGY-1 year. This is part of the three months of PGY-1 dedicated to ophthalmology

PGY2
As an introduction to the PGY-2 year, the resident will attend a series of weekly summer lectures and workshops designed to facilitate an adequate level of comfort and expertise in the management of emergencies in ophthalmology. Also, introductory courses and an orientation evening on research are part of the new resident's early syllabus.

The resident will spend this year primarily involved in the ambulatory care of eye patients at the Eye Care Centre (located in the QE II Health Sciences Centre complex), rotating through general and sub-specialty clinics including minor surgery. A research project will commence with dedicated time available throughout the four remaining years.

PGY3
The third-year of this program will involve rotations through the sub-specialty services at the Nova Scotia Eye Care Centre and the paediatric service at the IWK Health Centre. The residents will begin to participate in ocular surgery and continue their research.

PGY4
Surgery experience will be a significant focus of this year with necessary emphasis on modern surgical techniques, including cataract surgery. The resident will provide consultation to the hospitals in the QE II and IWK Health Centres. A community-based rotation is included.

PGY5
This year will comprise further rotations through the various services. Elective periods are provided where the resident will be encouraged to seek training and experience outside of Halifax. Rotations through general and sub-specialty services will be provided to meet the individual needs of the resident and to prepare for particular career opportunities and the upcoming Royal College Examinations. Surgical experience will continue during this year. Further research opportunities are available.

RESEARCH
In our program, the minimum requirement for research is a presentation for the annual Research Day forum, and at least one peer reviewed publication during the residency. Various awards are available to outstanding projects as well as travelling funds for their presentation.

For further information regarding Postgraduate Training in Ophthalmology at Dalhousie, please contact: