Ocular Oncology Fellowship

The U-M Kellogg Eye Center offers both a one year clinical fellowship and a one year research fellowship in ocular oncology, a highly specialized field that deals with benign and malignant neoplasms, as well as masquerading conditions involving the ocular surface, ocular adnexae, intraocular region, and orbit in both pediatric and adult patients.

The clinical and research ocular oncology fellows will work under the direct supervision of Hakan Demirci, MD, ocular oncology program director.

This fellowship is open to international medical graduates.

Clinical Ocular Oncology Fellowship

Clinical fellows will become proficient in the diagnosis and management of ocular oncology patients, who require more complex and holistic care. The fellow will work closely with Michigan Medicine physicians and medical teams outside of ophthalmology, including those involved in the specialties of pathology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, hematology, neurology, pediatrics, otolaryngology (head, neck, skull base), and dermatology.

Due to the complexity and scope of this sub-specialty, training will be tailored to the requirements and career goals of each clinical fellow.

The University of Michigan W.K. Kellogg Eye Center is a tertiary, university-based, referral hospital. The ocular oncology clinic receives referrals from comprehensive ophthalmologists and specialists in ophthalmology, including cornea or external disease, retina, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology.

Responsibilities

  • Examine, diagnose, and plan the management of surgical and non-surgical patients seen in the ocular oncology clinic
  • Examine pediatric patients under anesthesia, using indirect ophthalmoscope, B-scan ultrasonography, and RetCam
  • Assist and/or perform in-clinic procedures including, but not limited to, intravitreal/intralesional injection, laser therapy, cryotherapy, minor ocular surface and adnexal excision biopsy
  • Assist and/or perform major surgeries in the operating room
  • Take calls, as staffed by residents, on ocular oncology patients
  • Attend the weekly ophthalmology grand rounds
  • Guide and teach residents, as necessary, in the clinic, operating room, or at bedside

Research

Prior to the completion of training, the research ocular oncology fellow is required to have at least two publications in a major ophthalmology journal.

The clinical ocular oncology fellow is encouraged to have at least one publication in a major ophthalmology journal.

Benefits

The clinical fellow will receive insurance coverage through the University of Michigan Health System.

Please note, the clinical and research ocular oncology fellowships are non-funded positions. Fellows are encouraged to obtain a grant from their respective ministry of health, institution, or organization to support their participation in the12-month ocular oncology fellowship program.

Eligibility

Please note, all documents are required to be in English.

  • Updated curriculum vitae
  • Photograph taken within the past 6 months
  • Medical school diploma from an accredited World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) medical school
  • Medical school transcript
  • Medical license from the country of origin
  • Ophthalmology residency diploma from a 3-year residency training program
  • Must have completed USMLE steps 1, 2ck, 2cs (required for clinical fellows)
  • ECFMG certificate (required for clinical fellows to be able to perform clinical duties)
  • Three letters of recommendation addressed to Dr. Hakan Demirci. One of the letters must come from the department chairperson.
  • Personal statement (career goal, rationale for interest in ocular oncology)
  • Must be eligible for a J-1 visa (required for clinical fellowship)

Duration

The clinical and research fellowships are 12-month training programs with the option to extend training to 24 months. The start date is flexible and will be determined once a candidate is accepted into the training program.

Clinical Training Site

University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
1000 Wall Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

For a look inside the Kellogg Eye Center, visit the Why Train at the Kellogg Eye Center page.

How to apply

To apply for the University of Michigan's Ocular Oncology Fellowship, please submit the required documents to the Donna Donato, Ocular Oncology Fellowship Program Coordinator.

Donna Donato, Ocular Oncology Fellowship Program Coordinator
Phone: 734-763-9147
Fax: 734-232-8181
[email protected]

Program Director

Hakan Demirci, MD
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
1000 Wall Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Email: [email protected]

Ocular Oncology Faculty

Vinay Aakalu

Vinay Aakalu, MD, MPH

Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Section Leader and Medical Director, Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Director, Ocular Surface Disease Research Program
Associate Preceptor, ASOPRS Approved Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship
Dr. Hakan Demirci

Hakan Demirci, MD

Richard N. and Marilyn K. Witham Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Director, Ocular Oncology
Dr. Victor Elner

Victor M. Elner, MD, PhD

Ravitz Foundation Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Professor, Pathology
Dr. Mark Johnson

Mark W. Johnson, MD

Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Section Leader, Retina and Uveitis
Shahzad I. Mian MD

Shahzad I. Mian, MD

F. Bruce Fralick Professor of Ophthalmology
Chair and Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Director, Kellogg Eye Center
Dr. Christine Nelson

Christine C. Nelson, MD, FACS

Bartley R. Frueh, M.D. and Frueh Family Collegiate Professor in Eye Plastics and Orbital Surgery
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Professor, Surgery, Plastic Surgery Section
Co-director, Kellogg Eye Center for International Ophthalmology
Director, ASOPRS Fellowship Program
Dr. Kaz Soong

H. Kaz Soong, MD

Emeritus Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Co-director, Kellogg Eye Center for International Ophthalmology
Dr. Alan Sugar

Alan Sugar, MD

Emeritus Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences