Ocular Genetics Fellowship

The Flaum Eye Institute Ocular Genetics Fellowship is a one year program. The fellowship period begins either in the first week of July and ends the last week of June the following year or starting January 1 and ending December 31 of the same year. International applicants may request alternate start dates based on visa delays.

The Director of the Fellowship Program is Dr. Alex V. Levin, Chief, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics at the Flaum Eye Institute and Chief, Pediatric Genetics at the Golisano Children’s Hospital.

This sub-specialty fellowship will include active, full-time participation in all aspects of the Flaum Eye Institute Ocular Genetics Program. The Fellow will work closely with all the members of the Ocular Genetics team and have interaction with the Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellow, with whom they will share some responsibilities. We are very busy and see an enormous range of pathology in both adults and children that includes inherited retinal degenerations, congenital ocular malformations, genetic syndromes, metabolic diseases that affect the eye, and retinoblastoma.

The year will include rotations in pediatric genetics and metabolics clinics at Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as participation with Dr. Levin and the clinical geneticists in inpatient consultations.  The fellow will participate in pediatric genetics case rounds, ocular genetics team meetings, Golisano genetics meetings, and neurogenetics conferences. Laboratory experience is provided where the fellow will have exposure to DNA extraction, karyotyping, microarray analysis, sequencing and other molecular techniques. 

The Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in the full range of additional didactic and other educational activities at the Flaum Eye Institute and Golisano Children’s hospital including monthly ocular genetics journal club, Dr. Stone‘s retinal dystrophy rounds, grand rounds, neuroradiology rounds and didactic resident teaching. The Fellowship includes support to attend one external genetics conference. The Fellow is also expected to be involved with teaching to medical students and residents who rotate through the Ocular Genetics service.

Research is an important part of the ocular genetics fellowship and opportunities range from bench laboratory to clinical research. The fellow is the primary coordinator of our ocular genetics database. Prospective studies involving new diagnostic tools and therapies are always ongoing. Ocular Genetics Fellows are expected to write and submit at least two manuscripts, and are encouraged to submit their research papers to local/national/international ophthalmology/ocular genetics meetings.    

As part of the Ocular Genetics team, the Fellow’s responsibilities include administrative and other supportive duties.

Requirements:

Candidates must have completed their general ophthalmology training or be senior house officers. Candidates ineligible for a license will be welcomed as observers with much clinical exposure and involvement under supervision, and receive full credit for the fellowship year.  USLME is not required.

If you are interested in our Ocular Genetics Fellowship Program, please complete and return the following:

• A maximum one page personal statement as to why you want to do this fellowship and what you plan to do with the training once finished. Preference is shown to applicants who have future plans as an ocular geneticist and a position in advance to do so. If you have such a position, please also send a letter confirming this from your future Chair/Employer.
• Photocopy of your certificate of registration/medical license.
• Current curriculum vitae
• Photograph of yourself (not required but very helpful)
• If you have previously published (not required), a copy of the 1-2 publications of which you are most proud
• Three letters of recommendation. The recommendation letters must also be sent as hard copy on original letterhead with original signature.

All documents should be sent electronically at least 6 months prior to the desired start date.

Only completed applications will be considered for interviews (offered by phone/zoom if not available to attend in person). Formal language testing is not required.

For more information, please contact:

Alex V. Levin, MD, MHSc, FAAP, FAAO, FRCSC
Adeline Lutz - Steven S.T. Ching, M.D. Distinguished Professorship in Ophthalmology
Chief, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics
Flaum Eye Institute
Chief, Pediatric Genetics
Golisano Children’s Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 659
Rochester, NY 14642
 

Kim Catalino
Fellowship Coordinator
Phone: 585-275-8944
Fax: 585-276-2432
Email: kim_catalino@urmc.rochester.edu