Teaching ophthalmology to residents requires creativity, adaptability
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
To be an effective teacher, ophthalmologists must prioritize creativity by incorporating newer technologies into lessons and adapting to different styles of learning, according to a presentation at Real World Ophthalmology.
When teaching residents, “We have to think about not really being a successful teacher but being of value to them,” Meenakshi Chaku, MD, said.
Image: Adobe Stock
While ophthalmologists will remember how they learned best as students, it is important to think about the student perspective of the next generation. This entails creating a positive environment built on mutual respect and understanding that the ways in which students learn have evolved over time.
“Traditional lectures are great, and I don’t think we have to abandon them, but we have to think about how we can up our teaching game,” she said.
As an example, Chaku discussed positive experiences with using virtual reality to teach angle anatomy in glaucoma. Virtual reality can offer an accurate visual representation of concepts such as aqueous humor flow, which can appeal to visual learners and supplement traditional lessons.
“If they understand where the collector channels are and what we’re trying to do, they can practice in a dry lab, practice these techniques that we’re learning, practice in the operating room, and then they can actually provide these techniques to their patients and advance the treatment plan for their patients,” Chaku said.
Making the experience fun for residents is important to increase the value of the lesson.
“You really want to think of the learner, think of where they’re coming from, be adaptable, get creative and incorporate technology,” she said.
Collapse
Chaku M. Becoming an effective teacher. Presented at: Real World Ophthalmology; Sept. 30, 2023 (virtual meeting).
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts