International Observership in Oculoplastic Surgery
Philip Custer, MD and Steven Couch, MD pictured with Lorenzo Maria R. Cancio, MD our first participant in our International Observership in Oculoplastic Surgery.
International Observership in Oculoplastic Surgery
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, Missouri USA
We are pleased to announce the start of our observership program in oculoplastic surgery. This program is designed for international ophthalmologists who desire additional training in the management of eyelid, lacrimal, orbital, and anophthalmic disorders.
Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Our specialists are full-time Washington University academic physicians, who practice at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, which are both tertiary care and Level I trauma centers. The primary clinic is located in the main medical center. We also have clinics and perform surgery in suburban St. Louis (West County, South County).
Our Oculoplastic Specialists:
The Oculoplastic Service:
In the clinic we evaluate and treat the entire spectrum of functional oculoplastic disorders, including basic eyelid and complex orbital conditions. We regularly work with Mohs surgeons, repairing eyelid and mid-facial defects. Multispecialty cases are performed with our neurosurgical and ENT colleagues. The Department has an active trauma service. Cosmetic oculofacial treatment is primarily performed at our West County Clinic.
Program Goals
The goal of the International Observership is to expose and familiarize the visiting international ophthalmologist to our approach to the management of a wide variety of oculofacial disorders. This program is an observership. Regulations prevent the visiting doctor from providing direct patient contact or care. However, the observer will shadow one or more of our specialists both in the clinic and operating room. You will see how we evaluate patients prior to surgery. You will not scrub during surgery, but instead will be in the operating room, standing behind the surgeons.
We cannot predict what surgical cases will be performed during your visit, as the types of procedures are different each week. Visitors who want to observe the most cases will need to travel to our other St. Louis clinics on different days.
We feel a one-month observership is most ideal, allowing the visitor to see a variety of disorders. Shorter or longer visits can be considered.
The visitor will receive a certificate at the completion of their observership.
International Observer Requirements
You should have completed an Ophthalmology training program and have a strong interest in oculoplastic surgery.
The observer needs to be fluent in English: able to speak, read and understand the language.
We are not able to provide any financial assistance. The observer will be responsible for all expenses, including transportation from their country, transportation in St Louis (between offices), lodging, and meals.
You should obtain and provide verification of visitor health insurance covering the duration of your visit to the United States.
You must have a valid passport and obtain the appropriate visa prior to the visit. On request, we will provide a letter of invitation.
You must complete the entire application packet, and provide a current full-face photograph, curriculum vitae (CV), and copy of your passport. The application and proposed dates of the observership must be approved by the Department of Ophthalmology prior to scheduling your visit.
Thank you for considering our program!
Contact and application information:
Kevin Ko, MBA, MHA
Executive Director
John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 8096
660 South Euclid Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Email: kosung@wustl.edu