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U.S. medical education emphasizes well-rounded background
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NEW YORK — In addition to the basics of surgery, ophthalmology residents in the U.S. are taught patient care, professionalism and aspects of glaucoma and its treatment, according to a surgeon speaking here.
Richard Parrish II, MD, discussed aspects of current medical education at the New Frontiers in Glaucoma meeting held by Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.
He said the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) advocates "competency based education," focusing on teaching patient care, interpersonal skills and communication, medical knowledge, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice.
In addition, the "non-official" competencies in glaucoma — not explicitly included in the ACGME's Mission in Ophthalmic Education — include learning about primary open-angle glaucoma, primary acute angle-closure glaucoma, chronic angle-closure glaucoma and glaucoma associated with retinal vascular disease. Students also learn patient care diagnosis skills, including the use of the gonioscopy, examination of the optic nerve and interpretation of automated visual fields, Dr. Parrish said.