Glaucoma Fellowship
Glaucoma Fellowship Training
The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville offers a one-year clinical glaucoma fellowship under the direction of Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD.
Clinical Glaucoma Fellowship
This fellowship is designed to provide extensive training in all aspects of medical and surgical management of glaucoma. The fellow is encouraged to develop independent clinical and technical skills in an environment devoted to excellence in patient care. He/she will function with increasing autonomy as the year progresses and his/her skills expand. Clinical research is an integral part of the fellowship and resources for basic research are also available.
Requirements
The candidate is required to have completed residency training in ophthalmology. He/she must have a Virginia Medical License prior to matriculation into the program. The training period commences on July 1 and concludes on June 30 of the following year; one position per year is offered. Salary is commensurate with PGY-5 level.
Faculty
Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD is the Vernah Scott Moyston Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology. Dr. Netland received his undergraduate degree at Princeton University, his PhD from Harvard University, and his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology, followed by a clinical fellowship in glaucoma, at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Netland spent a year as Consultant at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Prior to accepting the Chair at the University of Virginia, Dr. Netland was Siegal Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.
In addition to his recognized expertise in the clinical management and surgical treatment of glaucoma, Dr. Netland is an innovative and prolific investigator in the basic sciences. His research has focused on the pathophysiology of glaucoma and potential improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. He is the author of over 100 original reports, reviews and monographs in the ophthalmic literature and has recently co-authored two textbooks: A Stereo Atlas of Glaucoma, two editions of Glaucoma Medical Therapy, and The Pediatric Glaucomas. Dr. Netland has delivered more than 100 invited lectures and courses on clinical and surgical management of glaucoma and over 100 research presentations at national and international meetings.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has awarded him its Senior Achievement Award. He is a member of the major ophthalmological organizations and subspecialty societies, and he has served as an officer of the Chandler-Grant Society and as an Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Bruce E. Prum, MD is Professor of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree in 1976 from Dartmouth College. Following studies in Russian language and literature, he received his medical degree in 1988 from Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Duke University Eye Center, followed by a glaucoma fellowship at Yale School of Medicine, under the direction of Joseph Caprioli, MD. Dr. Prum was Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science prior to his appointment at UVA.
Arjun Dirghangi, MD is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree in 2001 from Columbia University. Following studies for MHS in public health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, he received his medical degree in 2010 from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Drexel University College of Medicine in 2014. In 2015 he completed a Prevention of Global Blindness and International Ophthalmology fellowship at the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 2016 he completed a glaucoma fellowship at The University of Virginia School of Medicine. In 2016 after completing his fellowship, he became a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and in 2017 was promoted to Assistant Professor.
Facilities
Patients are seen in ophthalmology offices in both the downtown medical center and an ambulatory care center within 10 minutes of the downtown area. The clinic has complete examining and diagnostic facilities, lasers, and a minor procedure room. Outpatient surgery is performed both in the UVA Hospital and an out-patient surgery center. The fellow assists in patient evaluation and surgery of private patients and conducts independent clinics and surgery.
Resources and Responsibilities
The Department conducts a comprehensive program of lectures and conferences for residents and fellows and offers CME-certified meetings for community and regional ophthalmologists. The fellow is expected to take an active role in all educational activities, attending Grand Rounds and participating in the monthly glaucoma lectures and journal clubs. The fellow is expected to participate in resident training by supervising resident surgery (pre-operative evaluation, surgery, and post-operative management).
A full-time departmental research assistant is employed to conduct phase III and IV studies. The fellow is required to conduct clinical research on medical or surgical management of patients and is encouraged to optimize basic research opportunities.
Application Process
This program is registered with the Glaucoma Fellowship Matching Program (#4277). Potential applicants should access this site for match registration information.
To apply for the fellowship, submit a letter of application accompanied by a curriculum vita, a personal statement, and at least three letters of recommendation to the SF Match. Additional information may be addressed to:
Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD
Vernah Scott Moyston Professor & Chair of Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Fellowship Program Director
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Virginia
1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, Post Office Box 800715
Charlottesville, VA 22908-715
Attention: Mary E. Smith, MPH
Glaucoma Fellowship Administrator
Telephone: 434-982-0855
E-mail: mesmith@virginia.edu
Visiting Research Fellow in Glaucoma
This fellowship is designed to provide one year of research training in glaucoma. Under the supervision of Dr. Peter Netland, the fellow will observe patient care and surgery, conduct research, and receive training though attending Department activities such as monthly lectures, Grand Rounds, and journal club meetings.
Requirements
International applicants with ophthalmology specialty certification in their home country may apply. Fluency in English is required. The candidate or his/her training facility or government will provide salary, transportation, and living expenses. The training period is normally one year, but modifications can be arranged.
The Faculty and Facilities are identical to the Clinical Fellowship
Resources and Responsibilities
The research fellow is expected to attend Grand Rounds and participate in the monthly glaucoma lectures, journal clubs, and other educational activities of the Department. The research fellow is required to conduct and complete a research project during his/her tenure. He/she is also encouraged to observe patient care and surgery under Dr. Netland’s supervision.
Application Process
To apply for the fellowship, submit a letter of application accompanied by a curriculum vita, a personal statement, and at least three letters of recommendation addressed to:
Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD
Vernah Scott Moyston Professor & Chair of Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Fellowship Program Director
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Virginia
1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, Post Office Box 800715
Charlottesville, VA 22908-715
Attention: Mary E. Smith, MPH
Glaucoma Fellowship Administrator
Telephone: 434-982-0855
E-mail: mesmith@virginia.edu
Upon acceptance into the program, the applicant will apply for a J1 Visa under the sponsorship of the University of Virginia.