Chief Resident(s) Letter
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Palmetto Health Richland/USC School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology
A letter from the Chief Resident 2010-2011
Dr. Jennifer Hung
I am excited that you are interested in our program, and would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our residency program from a resident's perspective.
Our residents are fortunate to work in a variety of practice settings. Time is mostly spent at two hospitals, Palmetto Health Richland (a Level 1 Trauma Center) and the Dorn Veterans Administration (VA). Palmetto Health Richland (PHR) Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited 1,247-bed hospital that serves the community. PHR is affiliated with the University of South Carolina and has 12 residency programs. Being one of two VA hospitals offering ophthalmology services in the state of South Carolina, the Dorn VA provides the majority of surgical volume. Historically, our residents have performed cataract surgeries as primary surgeons at numbers far beyond what is required by the ACGME.
The strength of the program lies in the clinical experience. Outside of hospitals, residents also spend time in attending clinics and may work with community ophthalmologists for further exposure to practice management and private practice. Our residents are privileged to get early exposure to pediatric ophthalmology and serve as the primary surgeon for strabismus cases during their 1st year.
The curriculum includes formal lectures and grand rounds presentations on Friday afternoons. Journal club is held once a month. The 1st and 2nd year residents meet weekly to discuss the reading from the Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC). Residents which have their projects accepted as primary author are fully supported to attend the annual ARVO meeting.
All of the faculty members are supportive and receptive to residents' needs. The faculty represent most of the subspecialties in ophthalmology and contribute to the clinical strengths of the program. Recent additions to our faculty include Dr. Anika Bradley, who is fellowship-trained in Oculoplastics, and Dr. Kristiana Neff, who trained with Dr. Ed Holland at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Dr. Pakalnis provides over 20 years in experience with vitreoretinal disease. Lastly, but certainly not least, our Chairman and Program Director Dr. Cheeseman, the only certified pediatric ophthalmologist in the Midlands area, is committed to making changes that improve resident learning and career development.
Our residents are a diverse group with broad academic interests. Previous graduates have continued on to be fellows in cornea, oculoplastics and retina. Others have gone directly into private practice as comprehensive ophthalmologists. The entire BCSC book series is provided to all residents. Other benefits of our program include a very competitive PGY-2 and PGY-3 salary.
Columbia, South Carolina is the proud home of the USC Gamecocks whose Men's baseball team recently won the title of the 2010 College World Series Champions. Gamecock football also features prominently in the area. Columbia is an affordable city to live in and is infused with the energy that comes with being a college town. Located in the center of South Carolina, Columbia is central to the beaches and the mountains. Outdoor activities of hiking, canoeing and kayaking are plentiful.
Thank you for your interest in our program. We hope you will consider us as your training program. Please contact us if you have any other questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hung