The National Retina Institute was established in March 1989 and, since its inception, has trained 44 (2 current) post-doctoral fellows in vitreoretinal surgery. This is a two-year medical and surgical fellowship conducted in an environment that combines cutting edge technology with compassionate care. Fellows selected for this program have completed a certified residency in ophthalmology and are board eligible ophthalmologists. Successful candidates are interviewed and selected through the ophthalmology fellowship matching program.
The primary goal of the fellowship is to provide comprehensive training in the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal diseases. In addition to their clinical experience, fellows participate in major national clinical trials, development of new research studies, as well as the writing and presentation of manuscripts at major meetings. NRI fellows are prepared for their careers via educational sessions covering important areas of practice management.
The National Retina Institute is ACCME accredited for providing continuing medical education credits.
Mission Statement
To provide superior training in the medical and surgical management of vitreo-retinal diseases.
Program Overview
- Two-year comprehensive medical and surgical vitreo-retinal fellowship
- Broad exposure to diverse surgical techniques ranging from scleral buckling fundamentals to micro-incisional vitrectomy platforms
- Direct involvement of standard and novel approaches to treat vitreoretinal diseases
- Research requirement: Fellows are expected to publish a minimum of one scholarly article in an ophthalmology journal during fellowship. Fellows are strongly encouraged to present research findings at national meetings such as AAO, ARVO, and ASRS.
- Exposure to practice management concepts such as biling, coding, and resource utilizations
- Participation in Ophthalmology Fellowship Match Program.
Resources
All fellows receive training and mentoring by Drs. Vinod Lakhanpal, Joshua N. Steiner and Olga Shif. NRI fellows are trained in all aspects of vitreoretinal care as well as cutting-edge technologies including high-speed ICG video angiography, spectral-domain OCT, laser feeder vessel therapy, macular microperimetry, and innovative laser technologies including infrared and micropulse laser techniques.
Educational Program – Basic Curriculum
The National Retina Institute Fellowship program is a two-year training program that trains fellows to be comprehensive medical and surgical specialists in the area of vitreoretinal diseases and surgery.
The first year of fellowship emphasizes the development of the examination and diagnostic techniques required for the care of the vitreoretinal patient. During the first year the fellows are expected to review the primary source literature that provides a foundation for the evidence for treatment of retinal disease. This review is conducted independently and supplemented with tutorials with the attending physicians.
The second year of fellowship emphasizes continued development of clinical skills with particular attention given to management and therapeutic decision making. The second year fellow has progressively increasing responsibility for patient care in the clinic.
The National Retina Institute provides surgical training in basic and advanced surgical techniques. Hands-on surgical skills are introduced throughout the two years of training with increasing levels of fellow participation being introduced throughout the fellowship.
Fellows participate in clinical research throughout the fellowship. The National Retina Institute participates in many multi-center clinical trials. In addition the fellows design and conduct their own IRB approved research projects within the practice. An emphasis is placed on learning clinical research, methodology, and presentation skills.
Evaluation
Fellows are evaluated in a bi-annual review conducted by the attending physicians. The progress of the fellows is evaluated in the areas of medical knowledge, surgical skill, professionalism, and interpersonal skills. Feedback to fellows is also provided informally throughout the fellowship process.
Contact Information
Program Director: Vinod Lakhanpal, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Fellowship Coordinator: Ruth E. Classon
Telephone: (443) 921-4164
Fax: (410) 847-9240
E-mail: rclasson@natonalretina com.
Main Office
901 Dulaney Valley Road Suite 200, Towson, MD 21204-0603
Telephone: (410) 337-4500 | Fax: (410) 847-9240