Oculoplastic and orbital surgery fellow works with a patient.

Graduate medical education in ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic

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Overview

The Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, aims to train leaders in the field of oculofacial plastic surgery by providing unparalleled training in all aspects of our specialty. Our program is structured to give you the core skills needed to treat all conditions encompassed by oculofacial surgery in any practice setting, while also allowing for an individualized experience that can be tailored to your specific interests.

Highlights of the program include:

  • Diverse clinical experience. Clinical training includes multidisciplinary clinics and surgical cases for thyroid eye disease, facial reanimation, oculofacial trauma, and other complex problems. It will encompass both aesthetic and functional/reconstructive techniques. You will become accomplished in the evaluation and medical and surgical treatment of eyelid disorders, lacrimal procedures, orbital disease, and periocular conditions. 
  • High surgical volumes. Our fellows typically participate in more than 1,800 surgical cases throughout their training, most often serving as the primary surgeon. In addition to caring for patients with routine conditions, we treat a very large number of patients with complex periocular diseases such as extensive cutaneous malignancies, craniofacial deformities, facial nerve disorders, inflammatory orbital conditions, and orbital tumors.
  • Balanced training experience. Your training will include an ideal mix between clinical responsibilities, didactics (both structured and unstructured), research, time for reading. 
  • Strong relationships. Mayo Clinic is a highly collaborative environment. You will develop strong relationships with your co-fellows in other disciplines and have opportunities to establish relationships with leaders in the field
  • Outstanding opportunities. As a fellow, you will have four months of elective rotations in craniofacial surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, neuroradiology, otorhinolaryngology, and ocularistry during your second year. Additionally, there is an eight-week aesthetic surgery rotation in a private practice setting in Seattle, Washington.
  • Extensive research opportunities. Our abundant research resources include clinical and basic sciences, as well as the science of health care delivery, education research, and ethics. You will have scheduled research time and funding is available for fellow projects.
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Dr. Bradley consults with fellows in the hall at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Your training experience

As a fellow at Mayo Clinic, you'll have access to robust clinical, educational, and research resources. You'll find support both inside and outside of the campus to promote physical and mental wellness and ensure your work/life balance.

Elizabeth Bradley, M.D.

Director's welcome

We seek fellows who, above all, embrace Mayo's core value that "the needs of the patient come first." The strong "patient first" culture at Mayo Clinic is embedded in every aspect of patient care, research, and education, making Mayo a truly one-of-a-kind place to work and train.

Certification

Upon conclusion of the 24 months of training, you will receive a certificate of completion from the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).

Program history

The Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship began at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1993. Dr. Bradley has been the program director since 2014.

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