Pediatric Ophthalmology (International Fellowship)

The UCSD Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology believes in fostering the clinical, surgical and research education of ophthalmologists throughout the world. To this end, we offer an International Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus. Our fellowship prepares graduates for careers in academic or cutting edge private pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus medicine. Fellows divide their time between research and the busy clinical and surgical practices of Dr. David Granet Professor/Director (co-Founder of the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus) and Dr. Shira Robbins, Associate Professor. International Fellows become integral members of the UCSD PedOphth Team.
Previous fellows have returned to their respective institutions and have taken up prestigious positions in their countries. We have trained fellows from India, The Philippines, Brazil, and China, to name just a few.

• The fellowship is typically 18-24 months in duration with preference given to applicants with longer time commitments.
• International fellowships at UCSD are generally non-funded. Fellows must bring financial support from their home institutions or other sources.
• Potential applicants should speak and write English well enough to communicate with patients and staff members.

To qualify, guest physicians must meet the following conditions (our department will assist):

• Successful completion of at least three years of postgraduate basic residency requirements. Applicants must be either board-eligible, board-certified, or the equivalent in the person's basic discipline.
• Applicant must provide evidence of legal entry into the United States, typically a UCSD sponsored J-1 type Visa. UCSD J-1 Visa Process
  
• Applicant must obtain permission from the California Medical Board to participate in clinical activities through its Section 2111 program.  California Medical Board Info for International Physicians (2111 Program)
  

Research

In addition to clinical and surgical experiences, all fellows are expected to participate in clinical or basic science research and to present findings at local, regional or national meetings. Collaboration with other members of the Department of Ophthalmology faculty can be arranged for projects of mutual interest. Excellent statistical support and other research services are available.   Presentations at important meetings (some around the world) are typical.

In addition, fellows will gain deeper exposure to the pediatric ophthalmology subspecialties through the many Shiley Eye Institute faculty with pediatrics expertise.

Teaching

Fellows are also expected to participate in teaching activities in the Department of Ophthalmology. The Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus has twice-weekly clinical conferences, six annual journal clubs, fifteen formal resident teaching sessions annually and Departmental Grand Rounds presentations throughout the year.

Continuing Medical Education  Grand Rounds, Research Day

Clinical / Surgical

Once the Section 2111 appointment is approved, guest physicians may have clinical contact with patients but are closely supervised. The appointment enables the international fellow to participate in the evaluation and management of patients in the clinic and operating room.

• Guest physicians cannot act as primary caregivers, write prescriptions or bill for services.
• Please note: training completed under this exemption cannot be used to meet postgraduate training required for licensure purposes.
• At the completion of training, UCSD issues an International Fellowship certificate.

Living Here

Life in San Diego, California, USA: San Diego, or America's Finest City, has some of the best weather in the world! We routinely have temperatures in the mid-70s F (23C) with cool, ocean breezes and mild evenings year-round. Our Eye Institute is only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. We are located in La Jolla, a beautiful coastal community of San Diego County.

The City of San Diego offers thousands of things to see and do including art, music venues, museums, amusement parks, water activities, eateries, shopping... it is the perfect place on earth!