In this episode we are traveling to Haiti with Dr. William Myers who is an incredible global ophthalmologist as we will come to hear of his exemplary service work. He obtained his MD from Dartmouth Medical School and did his ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University where he is also faculty. Dr. Myers then did an orbit and oculoplastics fellowship at Medical College Wisconsin and since then he has performed over 30,000 cataract surgeries. Among his many contributions to the field of ophthalmology which include co-developing dropless cataract surgery in 2006, he is the co- instructor of the annual ASCRS and AAO courses on intracameral (inside the eye) agents for anterior segment surgery, featuring leading international ophthalmic researchers from 4 continents. Dr. Myers also serves on the ASCRS Foundation’s International Division committee and is on the board of FOCUS (1focus.org).
Key discussion points:
Interest in Ophthalmology and the journey to global ophthalmology
Appeal of cataract surgery
Transition from private practice to hospital system
Work with Northwestern
Pursuing global ophthalmology post-retirement
Haiti
Ophthalmology residency in Haiti
Length of training: designed after the US system
Working around obstacles
Dr. Ana Bastos de Carvalho to help with communication/learning in didactic setting
ICO exams for certifications (like the OKAPs)
Wet lab
Development of ophthalmology fellowships
1 USAID grant: ROP
Active work with Dr. RV Paul Chan, Dr. David Chan & many more
Plan to get graduates set up practice outside of Port-au-Prince
Partners in Health
Connecting with Aravind Eye Center
Description of Haiti
Continuation of medical education training programs currently
On the topic of global ophthalmology: “If you have these periods of respite where you are using your skills to the maximum…that can make you a much better person and a much happier person!”
Episode-based Resources:
Resources — Open Globe Talk with Rizul (openglobetk.com)