Comprehensive ophthalmologists should focus on quality, not speed, when beginning practice
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J. Morgan Micheletti, MD, shared his pearls for beginning practice in comprehensive cataract ophthalmology in a presentation at the Real World Ophthalmology meeting.
First, it is important to take your time, both in the clinic and in the operating room.
“When you have slower days, take extra time with your early patients and enjoy it,” he said. “They’re going to be your biggest fans, and word of mouth means a lot, especially early on.”
Quality is the most important factor for proving yourself as you begin, not speed. Micheletti said markers such as phacoemulsification time should come later.
“It’s not a race, and you aren’t trying to impress anyone — except for the patient — with your surgical skills,” he said. “Five-minute phaco sounds sexy, and you’ll probably get there, but speed is not the goal.”
He said that speed will come with time and experience. Early on, however, it is important to focus on patient care and to impress staff with knowledge and kindness, as well as to work toward fewer complications.
Remembering every aspect of IOLs can be daunting for new surgeons, but Micheletti said not to stress about learning everything right off the bat because there are resources and tricks to help with that.
“Meet with your local reps,” he said. “That’s what they’re there for, and they’re great assets to help you.”
Finally, Micheletti said the most important thing to remember is to be your patients’ biggest advocate.
“If you have a refractive miss, an unsatisfactory outcome or an unhappy patient, don’t blame yourself. Don’t get angry,” he said. “This is part of the art of surgery. Counsel the patient, and approach whatever the problem may be as a team.”
By looking at the problem together and coming up with a plan, Micheletti said a physician can gain a patient’s trust.
Editor’s note: On Oct. 4, 2021, the article was updated to correct a comment from the speaker. The editors regret the error.
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Micheletti JM. Jumping into comprehensive ophthalmology cataract practice. Presented at: Real World Ophthalmology; Sept. 18, 2021 (virtual meeting).
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