The Department of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, provides services for more than 86,000 inpatient and outpatient visits a year. Both inpatient and outpatient facilities are state-of-the-art, and you are exposed to leading-edge procedures and equipment.

The department has more than 39 staff members, including four researchers with Ph.D.s. Retinal training is provided by the six vitreoretinal surgeons, two medical retina specialists, a uveitis specialist, and an ocular oncologist. In addition, there are 16 ophthalmology residents (PGY1-PGY4) and multiple fellows in either clinical or research training.

From the program director

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Medical Retina Fellowship training program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota. This is a one-year fellowship that gives you a unique opportunity to work with the experienced faculty at Mayo Clinic. Highlights of our fellowship include the opportunity to treat patients with a variety of disease, ranging from common to rare and complex. Our fellowship offers a breadth of experience in retinal vascular disease (such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal venous occlusive disease), uveitis, ocular oncology, and retinal degenerations.

Our abundant research resources include clinical and basic sciences as well as science of health care delivery, education research, professionalism, and ethics.

We are excited that you are interested in the Medical Retina Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, and we look forward to the possibility of having you visit our department to see firsthand our outstanding training program.

Wendy Smith, M.D.
Medical Retina Fellowship Director

Faculty

In addition to caring for patients in clinical practice, Mayo Clinic's faculty is committed to teaching and facilitating the growth of medical knowledge. Many of our faculty members have published and lectured extensively and are highly regarded in their fields. You have direct access to the retina, uveitis, and oncology faculty at Mayo Clinic throughout your training in the Medical Retinal Fellowship.

Advisers and mentors

Faculty advisers are available to provide comprehensive educational advice and personal support. You meet with you adviser periodically throughout the program to review your progress and career goals, and ensure that your educational needs are being met. Also, your adviser may serve as a contact point for introducing you and your family to Rochester, Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic system.

Visiting professors

Many prominent ophthalmologists and retina specialists visit Mayo Clinic each year. They present their work during lectures, participate in hospital rounds, and have informal discussions with trainees.

In addition, several courses run by Mayo Clinic faculty host various visiting professors, such as the Mayo Clinic Retina Update and Case Conference. You are encouraged to take full advantage of these educational opportunities.