OSN Europe: Young ophthalmologist fulfills American dream with fellowship abroad

In our globalized world, the only way we can deliver the best care to our patients is by sharing ideas and practices across different centers of excellence. Formalizing part of our training at a center abroad helps to achieve this, and as Giulia Corradetti tells us, it can be an inspirational and life-changing process.

Anthony P. Khawaja, PhD, FRCOphth, Chair of the SOE Young Ophthalmologists committee

by Giulia Corradetti, MD

I believe every resident should have the chance to spend a period abroad.

A professional experience in a foreign country can enrich you as a physician, as an ophthalmologist, as a scientist and as a person more than anything else.

I thank my chairman, Francesco Bandello, MD, FEBO, for giving me the opportunity to spend part of my training at the Wright Foundation in Los Angeles, U.S.A., where minimally invasive strabismus surgery was invented, as well as many other strabismus procedures. I also thank Kenneth Wright, MD, for having me as a fellow.

I met Dr. Wright before starting my residency program, but at the time, I had no clue I would fall in love with strabismus. Destiny took me there: My first rotation was strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology with Monica Stoppani, MD, at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan. It was love! When Prof. Bandello gave me the opportunity to spend a period abroad, I had no doubt. I was motivated for a full immersion in strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology and ready to work hard.

I am living a true American dream. I am fascinated by Dr. Wright, his associate Luke Deitz, MD, and his amazing team. His leadership, energy, tremendous love for everyday work, passion, competence, professionalism and never-ending love for teaching impressed me since my first day in Los Angeles.

Teaching has been the core of the fellowship program. Dr. Wright’s passion and dedication to teaching are omnipresent and overwhelming: in front of the patient, reviewing the newest references, and supporting theories and practice scientifically.

I think that supporting every idea scientifically should be a key part of our everyday practice in medicine. By using sound scientific methods, we can achieve the best results and aim at making consistent changes and discoveries in our field.

Click here to read the full publication exclusive, The Young Ophthalmologist, published in Ocular Surgery News Europe Edition, September 2015.