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Resident wellness is an important priority for IU School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology.

Resident Life

Resident life

Program Benefits

  • Resident wellness is an important priority for our program. We have recently instituted allowing a half-day per month administrative day on IU rotations that is protected time for our residents to spend as they wish.
  • Meal cards are provided for food during call at all hospitals. 
  • Residents receive an annual stipend which may be used towards lenses, loupes, books, meetings, etc. 
  • Residents are excused from all clinical duties for one day each spring to attend the annual resident retreat for team building, discussing resident life and socializing.
  • National meeting attendance is supported when presenting as primary author.
  • Attendance at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting is supported for all PGY4 residents.
  • The Department of Ophthalmology sponsors all PGY 4 residents to attend a two-day LASIK course where residents perform primary cases.
  • PGY 4 residents are allowed up to five calendar days for job or fellowship interviews.

Call Structure

We have implemented a night float call system, split evenly between the PGY-2 and PGY-3 class, without post-call clinical or surgical responsibilities for our residents. Primary call during weekends is split between PGY-2 residents only. PGY-3 residents have no primary call responsibilities, except during the dedicated night float rotation. Backup call for primary surgical trauma cases is split between the PGY-4 residents. All call is taken from home, with overnight call-room availability on the medical campus. Fatigue mitigation strategies and education is provided during orientation and is an important priority for our program, following ACGME requirements.

Employment Terms and Benefits

In addition to competitive stipends for residents, IU School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education (GME) offers excellent health and wellness benefits. 

I chose IU for residency because I was immediately amazed by the culture and friendliness of the program during the interview process. As the only ophthalmology residency in the state, I believe IU will allow me to experience a large breadth of pathology and work with diverse patient populations, which will hone my skills as a competent physician. I look forward to working with my new colleagues and potential lifelong friends!

Christian Akotoye, MD