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TEACHING

AND EDUCATION

A BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE NAPLES PILLAR

by Jaclyn Kovach, M.D.

T eaching the next generation
of ophthalmologists and a
dedication to continuing
medical education comprise
one of the three defining pillars of
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, in
addition to excellence in patient care
and research. At BPEI Naples, we share
that commitment and take pride in the
education programs that are available at
our clinic.
Since 2012, we have offered a 2-4
week medical student rotation during
which medical students in their final
third or fourth year of medical school
are able to spend time with each of our
faculty members in Naples not only to
learn the basics of an eye exam, but often
to decide if ophthalmology is a field that pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, uveitis, ocular
they are interested in pursuing. oncology, and ocular pathology.
Our medical students are typically This July BPEI Naples welcomed the first medical retina fellow who is
enrolled at the University of Miami participating in a new 1-year fellowship based in Naples. She will spend
Miller School of Medicine but have time learning how to manage medical retina patients with conditions such as
journeyed from as far away as Nice, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular disease from
France to participate in our rotation. Dr. Jaclyn Kovach and her retina colleagues. BPEI Naples is fortunate to have
Following completion of four years the opportunity to teach and learn from such bright and accomplished aspiring
of medical school, the next step on the ophthalmologists.
way to becoming an ophthalmologist is Life-long learning and a commitment to remaining current in the field
a 1-year medical or surgical internship of ophthalmology is essential to taking excellent care of patients. For the
followed by a 3-year ophthalmology past several years Dr. Jaclyn Kovach has directed the Diabetic Retinopathy
residency. Those who choose to Continuing Medical Education Conference. Held in Naples each spring, this
specialize further can apply for a 1-2 meeting is offered to retina specialists and general ophthalmologists nationwide
year fellowship in one of nine potential who wish to get an update on clinical management of diabetic eye disease from
subspecialties, including medical and leaders in the field at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and visiting faculty from
surgical retina, glaucoma, cornea, notable eye centers across the country.

26 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2017