Iowa State University Residency in Comparative Ophthalmology
RESIDENCY IN COMPARATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, located in Ames, IA, invites applications for a 3-year residency position in comparative ophthalmology. This American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ABVO) approved residency program has been designed to provide an in-depth training in comparative ophthalmology along with related basic and applied sciences. The program has been developed to provide residents with comprehensive knowledge of ocular conditions affecting animals. Residents participate in clinical rounds, seminars, journal club, image review, surgical practice (surgical loupes are highly recommended, but not mandatory), continuing education programs, and various departmental academic programs (including student teaching).
We are seeking candidates that are enthusiastic about educating our veterinary students. Ophthalmology residents participate in 4th year student rounds along with primary case-based discussions with veterinary students. Residents will also participate in student teaching including laboratories for 1-3 year veterinary students along with providing topic lectures for our robust Ophthalmology club. Ophthalmology rounds (journal club, image review, M&M, book review, etc.) are held on a weekly basis and ocular histopathology rounds are held monthly. Our ophthalmology residents are expected to attend and participate in these rounds to expand their knowledge base and help prepare for the ACVO board examination.
The residents will spend ~75% of their time working within Veterinary Teaching Hospital on the ophthalmology service. All clinical duties will be conducted under direct supervision of the ophthalmologists and will include diagnosing and treating companion animals with ocular disease, managing inpatients, providing consultations for doctors from other hospital services and surrounding general practices. Along with our busy companion animal service, we have a strong equine case load to ensure a well-rounded residency training program. Ophthalmology residents (3 total with 1 in each year of training currently) are expected to share primary ophthalmology emergency duties, including after hours, weekends and holidays.
Furthermore, our residents are expected to submit a grant proposal for their prospective resident research project. We expect residents to publish one prospective research project along with an additional publication (case report, retrospective study, etc.) before completion of the program.
Our program strives to prepare residents for active careers in academia (preferred) or specialty practice, and the caseload provides an excellent and broad experience over the duration of the residency. There are currently 2 ACVO diplomates, 1 ECVO diplomate and 2 ophthalmology technicians in direct support of the residency training. We are a work family and look for candidates who want to contribute to the team unit in a positive, effective way to fulfill our missions of service, teaching, and innovation.
Department and College Description:
The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC) is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide specialized care and comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents, interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work collaboratively to provide 24-hour, high-quality care to animal patients. As the nation’s first public veterinary school, Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine takes pride in its heritage while shaping the future of veterinary professional practice, education, research, and service.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value. Our ISU residents enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and contribution plans. There is also allotted vacation time (including sick time) along with onsite childcare (Ames, IA). There is also an opportunity for Flexible Spending Accounts and Employee Assistance Program.
Application Instructions:
Application deadline: Monday, November 13, 2023 by 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST)
Following the review of applications, selected candidates may be invited for a personal or telephone interview.
Information will be available on the ACVO ORCA website (dacvo.org/resident-intern-positions) and ISU Workday website (https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/IowaStateJobs/job/Ames-IA/Residency---Ophthalmology_R13002)
To apply for this position, please be prepared to enter or attach the following documents:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Veterinary School Transcript including Grade Point Average and Class Rank
**References: 3 Letters of Reference should be submitted by the applicants directly to Dr. Melissa Kubai at mkubai@iastate.edu
**Letters of reference should be written by faculty members, research mentors and/or practicing veterinarians. These letters commonly address aptitude and performance pertinent to knowledge of veterinary medicine, clinical skills (including surgical ability), ability to apply knowledge in a clinical setting, ability to communicate and work with others and scientific research experiences. These reference letters are due Monday, November 13, 2023 by 11 am CST (12 pm EST).
Deadlines and offering dates will be in accordance with the Ophthalmology Residency Choosing Association [ORCA] guidelines.
For specific questions about the residency program, you may contact any of the following:
Dr. Melissa Kubai (mkubai@iastate.edu) – Ophthalmology Faculty
Dr. Rachel Allbaugh (allbaugh@iastate.edu) – Ophthalmology Faculty
Dr. Jesus Diaz Bijun (jdiazb@iastate.edu ) – Ophthalmology Faculty
Dr. Leila Bedos, DVM, MS (leilab2@iastate.edu) – Ophthalmology Resident 2021-2024
Dr. Bactelius “Bacty” Turicea, DVM (bturicea@iastate.edu) – Ophthalmology Resident 2022-2025
Dr. Mona Hoerdemann, DMV, MVetClinStud, DACVS (LA) (mona@iastate.edu) – Ophthalmology Resident 2023-2026