The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences offers six clinical fellowships and participates in the Ophthalmology Fellowship Matching Program (OFMP) sponsored by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) through the Centralized Application Service.
Current Fellows
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a clinical fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Medical School: All applicants must have graduated from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
- Internship: All applicants entering ophthalmology training programs must complete 1 year of postgraduate training (PGY1) in a program in the US accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME-MDs) or AOA (DO’s) or a program in Canada approved by the appropriate accrediting body in Canada. The PGY1 year must be comprised of training in which the resident is primarily responsible for patient care in fields such as emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery or transitional year. As a minimum, six months of this year must consist of a broad experience in direct patient care.
- Three to four years in a Residency Program: In addition to a PGY-1, all applicants must satisfactorily complete an entire formal graduated residency training program in ophthalmology of at least 36 months duration (PGY4 or higher) in either the United States accredited by the ACGME or in Canada accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- Eligible for the American Board of Ophthalmology qualifying examination, or currently be board certified
- Taken and passed the USMLE steps 1, 2 (CK) and (CS), and 3 Exams; COMLEX for DOs. (Required for medical licensure)
- Must be able to obtain an unrestricted medical license from the State of Wisconsin
Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery
About the fellowship.
Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery Fellowship is one year in length and led by Dr. Sarah Nehls. The Fellow assists the preceptors in surgery at University Hospital, the Madison Surgery Center, and the TLC/Novamed Laser Center (TLC). Pre- and post-operative patient evaluation occurs largely during sessions at the University Station External/Cornea Clinics. External/Cornea (refractive) clinic responsibilities involve evaluation of patients, surgical alternatives, pre- and post-operative care and complications, as well as their management. The fellowship additionally offers training in all aspects of immunologic eye diseases to include the medical and surgical treatment of uveitis, scleritis and use of immodulatory therapy.
Additional experience in administrative and technical aspects of eye banking, external photography skills including specular microscopy and corneal topographic analysis, complicated contact lens fitting, external ophthalmic pathology, ocular inflammatory disease, and independent clinical or basic science research including scientific paper presentation and manuscript submission will be available. Wisconsin Eye Bank Advisory Board meeting attendance is required (three/year). The Fellow is actively involved in resident teaching in preparation for academic endeavors following completion of the Fellowship. The Fellow gives a number of lectures to the residents and staff including twice-yearly Grand Rounds presentations and participates in one week-end surgical resident teaching session of phacoemulsification techniques. Certification will be achieved in the use of the LASIK surgery excimer and Femtosecond lasers, as well as Femtosecond cataracts surgery.
Attendance at various conferences is encouraged including Grand Rounds, Complications Conference, Journal Club and Visiting Lecture Series.
- Director: Sarah Nehls, MD
- Preceptors: Sarah Nehls, MD; Evan J. Warner, MD
- Length of Fellowship: 1 year
- Number of Fellowships per year: 1
- Start date: July 1
- Application deadline: September 1
- Actively Involved in Resident Education: Yes
- Research Required: Yes, clinical
- Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes
- Clinical Training Sites: University Station Clinic (Primary); Madison Surgery Center; William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital; Unity Point Health-Meriter; UWHC OR; Deming Way Clinic; TLC/Novamed Laser Center (TLC)
- Questions? Contact Fellow Coordinator: Hannah Lloyd at 608-263-4157 or hrlloyd@wisc.edu.
Glaucoma Fellowship
About the fellowship.
- Director: Gregg A. Heatley, MD
- Preceptors: Gregg A. Heatley, MD; Yao Liu, MD; Anna Momont, MD
- Length of Fellowship: 1 year
- Number of Fellowships per year: 1
- Start date: July 1
- Application deadline: September 1
- Actively Involved in Resident Education: Yes
- Research Required: Yes
- Block Time Assigned to Research: No
- Clinical Training Sites: University Station Clinic (Primary); Madison Surgery Center; William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital; Unity Point Health-Meriter; UWHC OR; Deming Way Clinic
- Questions? Contact Fellow Coordinator: Hannah Lloyd at 608-263-4157 or hrlloyd@wisc.edu.
Our Glaucoma Fellowship program provides a balanced and extensive education experience in both the medical and surgical aspects of glaucoma. You will spend about 60 percent of your time seeing glaucoma outpatients, and about 25 percent in surgery. Typical surgical volumes range from 50-70 glaucoma cases as primary surgeon. Teaching activities with residents at the VA, reading and study, and seeing unscheduled acute glaucoma patients referred to the glaucoma service occupy the remaining time. There are opportunities for a variety of clinical and basic science research projects in which you will be expected to participate.
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship
About the fellowship.
We offer a one-year fellowship with comprehensive training in pediatric ophthalmology and pediatric and adult strabismus.
Fellows will work closely with five pediatric ophthalmologists in the Pediatric Eye Clinic of the University of Wisconsin, which has a volume of more than 7,000 subspecialty outpatient visits per year. Referrals and consultations from our large Pediatric Department (which includes all relevant subspecialties) provides for a wide variety of pediatric eye problems seen in our clinic. In addition, our clinic has a wide national and international referral base for treating complex strabismus in children and adults.
Additional expertise will be gained in the field of ophthalmic genetics through participation in a monthly inherited retinal degeneration clinic and additional research opportunities (oculocutaneous albinism, myopia, primary congenital glaucoma, and human embryonic stem cells).
Fellows will be involved in 400 or more surgical cases, many as primary surgeon. Surgical procedures include a wide variety of strabismus. In addition, fellows will participate in the evaluation and surgical management of retinopathy of prematurity, cataract, glaucoma, ptosis and nasolacrimal procedures.
The fellow’s close interaction with residents, medical students, and orthoptic students includes both informal and didactic teaching. Fellows are expected to initiate and complete an independent clinical research project appropriate for presentation at a national meeting during their fellowship.
- Director: Michael C. Struck, MD
- Preceptors: Michael C. Struck, MD, Yasmin S. Bradfield, MD; David M. Gamm, MD, PhD; Melanie A. Schmitt, MD; Terri L. Young, MD, MBA
- Orthoptists: Kristin Anderson, CO; Leslie France, CO; Nora Haji-Jama, CO, Michelle Harn, CO, Kali Loberger, CO, Jacque Shimko, CO; Nancy Yang, CO
- Length of Fellowship: 1 year
- Number of Fellowships per year: 1
- Start date: July 1
- Application deadline: September 1
- Actively Involved in Resident Education: Yes
- Research Required: Yes, clinical
- Block Time Assigned to Research: No
- Clinical Training Sites: University Station Clinic (Primary); American Family Children’s Hospital; Unity Point Health-Meriter; Madison Surgery Center; UWHC OR; Deming Way Clinic
- Questions? Contact Fellow Coordinator: Hannah Lloyd at 608-263-4157 or hrlloyd@wisc.edu.
Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship
About this fellowship.
- Director: Michael M. Altaweel, MD
- Preceptors: Michael M. Altaweel, MD; Barbara A. Blodi, MD; Jonathan Chang, MD; Justin L. Gottlieb, MD; Mihai Mititelu, MD, MPH; T. Michael Nork, MD, MS; Kimberly Stepien, MD
- Emeritus Faculty: Suresh Chandra, MD; Thomas Stevens, MD
- Length of Fellowship: 2 years
- Number of Fellowships per year: 1/year for a two year term
- Start date: July 1
- Application deadline: September 1
- Actively Involved in Resident Education: Yes
- Research Required: Yes
- Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes
- Clinical Training Sites:
- Year One: University Station Clinic (Primary); William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital; Unity Point Health-Meriter (ROP observation only); UWHC OR
- Year Two: University Station Clinic (Primary); William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital; SSM Health Dean Clinic and St. Mary’s Ambulatory Surgery Center; UWHC OR
- Questions? Contact Fellow Coordinator: Hannah Lloyd at 608-263-4157 or hrlloyd@wisc.edu
This two year Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship program provides a balanced and extensive educational experience in both the medical and surgical aspects of retinal disease. We have an equal blend of primary and tertiary referral retinal disease. The following areas are included in the surgical training program: vitreoretinal surgery, primary and complex retinal detachment repair, scleral buckling, management of complications of anterior segment surgery, trauma management.
The Fellowship includes care of uveitis, ocular tumors, and pediatric retina. In the clinic setting Fellows act as mentors to our residents and medical students. They will learn and teach examination techniques, photocoagulation, and retinal imaging including retinal angiography ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography and angiography, and interpretation of electrophysiology. Fellows participate as investigators in Clinical trials and will conduct collaborative research with our faculty. Educational activities include leading weekly Retina Case conference, and participating in Imaging conference, Journal clubs and Grand Rounds.
Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship
About this fellowship.
This Fellowship fulfills the requirements of and has been approved by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc. (ASOPRS).
Office responsibilities involve all aspects of functional and cosmetic oculoplastic pre-operative and post-operative care. The Fellow assists the preceptors in surgery at several hospitals and clinics. Pre- and post-operative patient evaluation occurs largely during office sessions at the University Station Clinic, UW Transformations, the Davis Duehr Dean Clinic, and occasionally at Lemke Facial Surgery. An ophthalmic plastic surgery clinic at the Madison Veterans Administration Hospital is staffed monthly by the Fellow.
The Fellowship begins with an intense exposure to ophthalmic facial plastic surgery. After this core experience, exposure is possible in plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery, ENT/facial plastic surgery, dermatology, Mohs surgery and neuro-imaging. Experience in orbital pathology and prosthetics is also available. Time is allowed for orbital dissection (cadavers) and for work on the Fellow’s ASOPRS thesis and other academic projects. Away rotations are possible on a limited basis during the second year of the fellowship. Extra funding for away rotations cannot be provided at the present time.
The Fellow is actively involved in resident teaching, both in the clinic and in the operating room in preparation for academic endeavors following completion of the Fellowship. The Fellow gives a number of lectures to the residents and staff. The Fellow helps organize annual skills transfer courses in the basic principles in oculofacial plastic surgery for resident ophthalmologists and other surgeons in practice. Surgical oculoplastics teaching at the Veterans Hospital is part of the Fellow’s responsibility. The Fellow should develop expertise with the oculofacial literature and is asked occasionally to discuss articles at department journal club meetings.
In further preparation for teaching responsibilities following the Fellowship, the past Fellows have built large clinical photography collections. The Program Director and faculty emphasize photography in their practices. Principles of effective clinical photography are stressed.
University of Wisconsin Ophthalmic Facial Plastic Surgery Fellows share in a rich tradition of clinical excellence, scholarship and academic productivity. High surgical volume and a scholarly approach to patient care provide excellent opportunities for clinical studies. Numerous important advances in orbital, adnexal and facial anatomy have resulted from Fellows’ research, often in collaboration with other investigators. Many of these studies have been recognized by ASOPRS and AACS with various national awards. UW Ophthalmic Facial Plastics Fellows are energetic and actively generate publications and chapters during Fellowship. Most Fellows go on to active participation in part-time or full-time academic positions.
The Program Director and faculty are fully committed to the Fellow’s training and strive to produce the finest fellowship experience available in ophthalmic facial plastic surgery. Very high expectations for performance are balanced by a supportive and collegial environment. Prior UW Ophthalmic Facial Plastics Fellows enjoy ongoing friendships and collaboration. This includes a yearly Fellowship gathering (White Coat Society Dinner) during the AAO meeting.
All previous fellows and other honorary associates become members of the “White Coat Society.” Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellow receives the official symbol of graduation – the White Coat. This is a long-standing, and time-honored, tradition of the University of Wisconsin Ophthalmic Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship, in which a unique white coat is bestowed upon the graduating fellow. Each fellow wears this hard-earned symbol with pride!
At the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting each year, we lead a practical anatomy and surgical techniques skills transfer course, one of the longest-running courses at the AAO meeting. We also look forward to the annual White Coat Society dinner, a wonderful time to visit with each other and reconnect. We have also been fortunate to have had many international fellows and visitors associated with our fellowship program, and we continue to be proud of our expanding family all over the world.
- Director: Mark J. Lucarelli, MD, FACS
- Preceptors: Mark Lucarelli, MD, FACS; Cat Burkat, MD, FACS; Richard K. Dortzbach, MD (Emeritus); Bradley Lemke, MD, FACS; ; John Rose, MD;
- Length of Fellowship: 2 years
- Number of Fellowships per year: 1/year for a two year term
- Start date: July 1
- Application deadline: December 1
- Actively Involved in Resident Education: Yes
- Research Required: Yes
- Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes
- Clinical Training Sites: University Station Clinic (Primary); UWHC OR; William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital; SSM Health Dean Clinic and St. Mary’s Ambulatory Surgery Center; SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital
Questions? Contact Oculofacial Administrative Coordinator: Allie Lippitt at 608-263-4832 or alippitt@wisc.edu
Ophthalmic Pathology Fellowship
About this fellowship.
- Director: Heather Potter, MD
- Preceptors: Heather Potter, MD
- Length of Fellowship: 1 year
- Number of Fellowships per year: 1
- Start date: July 1
- Application deadline: December 1
- Actively Involved in Resident Education: Yes
- Research Required: Yes, basic research
- Block Time Assigned to Research: No
- Clinical Training Sites: UW Clinical Sciences Center (CSC) F4/349 (Primary); University Station Clinic; UWHC Security Clinic; UWHC Free Clinic; William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
- Questions? Contact Fellowship Coordinator: Michele Kempfer at 608-262-9092 or michele.kempfer@wisc.edu
Complete the Application Below
We offer a post-residency fellowship with comprehensive training in ophthalmic pathology with emphasis on intraocular tumors. Laboratory research includes exploration of molecular biology of uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma. Fellows will participate in read-out sessions with pathologists, resident and medical student teaching, and basic science research under the direction of the preceptors. A pre-residency fellowship in experimental eye pathology is also available.
Patient care related to Ophthalmic Pathology
- Answer ophthalmologist’ questions regarding the proper acquisition and submission of specimens, including biopsy recommendations.
- Gross examine and measure specimen.
- Document specimen with gross photography, as needed, for medicolegal, consultation, journal and teaching cases.
- Section and orient specimen for processing.
- Send clinician advance notification when longer processing time is expected or lengthier histopathology workups are undertaken.
- Pre-read microscope slides; especially time consuming with temporal artery biopsies (typically >250 individual cuts to examine) and cases where special stains are used.
- Contact physicians to obtain additional history as needed.
- Read-out with Dr. Potter and those on the ophthalmic pathology rotation.
- Follow up with physicians any pending issues or questions regarding the patient’s clinical history that came up during read out.
- Discuss difficult cases with other in-house pathologists as needed.
- Dictate the pathology report.
- Edit the final pathology report.
- Alert clinicians of critical diagnoses.
- Obtain photomicrographs, as needed, for medicolegal, consultation, journal and teaching cases.
- Post-process photomicrographs with Photoshop, when higher quality images are needed for printed materials, e.g. hard copies for patient’s chart, etc.
- Ensure maintenance of JCAHO standards by selection of cases for periodic independent peer review and reading the selected slides out with other pathologists.
- Fax reports when needed urgently by physicians, e.g. patient waiting in clinic.
- Relay useful information to ophthalmologists who call with questions about particular disease entities or general clinical unknowns.
- Fulfill miscellaneous diagnostic requests, e.g. the fellow receives a message and direct phone requests from physicians for diagnoses from several years back and/or for review of past slides.
Teaching related to Ophthalmic Pathology
- Teach the first year UW ophthalmology resident on rotation with the ophthalmic pathology service.
- Prepare for and conduct ocular pathology lectures for the resident BCSC series.
- Educate visiting medical students and residents from other specialties.
- Catalog and photograph cases for resident education.
- Prepare monthly quizzes with OKAP style questions in ocular pathology for residents.