| ........................ | I know people were
reluctant about naming and shaming bad units for SHO training. But would
anyone be willing to suggest good units that are worth working in.
- JESSICA June 29, 2004 at 12:38:25 |
| Having worked in Ophth for 3 years,
I have met many ophthalmologists who work, or who have worked in units
up and down the country.
I have to say, that most DGH jobs are about the same, that is to say you get what it says on the tin, and an average surgical training. Those SHOs working in teaching hosps do report a much more intensive surgical experience, which always astounds me and which is what we all want. Although Manchester Royal Eye seems to be an exception. SHOs there say they do not get much phaco experience at all, and other procedures are shared with the SpR. Yes, there are some DGHs which are way off the mark, but I think in this competitive speciality, you shouldn't cross anywhere off your list to apply to for jobs. If you get shortlisted for somewhere, do your research then, speak to the SHOs, and then decide whether it is worth your while attending the interview. Also, although I can see your point in naming and shaming on this site, I don't think it is such a good idea, as places can change, and then you may miss out by not applying to somewhere which used to be bad, but a fresh consultant or two may have turned the place around. If you are new to ophthalmology, or comming from overseas, although it is desirable to work in a good unit, of course, the most important thing is to get your foot in the door, get some experience and then move on. My first job wasn't particulary good, actually it was diabolicle. It hasn't harmed me too much. I would advise though moving on from such places sooner than I did. I was afraid to, as I thought I wouldn't have a chance anywhere else without my Part 1s or much surgical experience, and the unit wouldn't keep me on, if I was going to actively apply for other posts. That was a bit naughty of them, but then I wasn't smart enough to apply anyway on the sly, like my collegue did, and he got into a much better unit without his Part 1, but that little bit of experience helped him get shortlisted for more jobs. What I am saying is, just get some experience under your belt, and then be a bit more diserning as to where you apply, as you will have more chance of getting shortlisted to these places once you have some experience in ophthalmology. - Kate |