Uveitis Fellowship
The Uveitis Fellowship is a one-year integrated clinical and research program for physicians who have completed their Ophthalmology residency in the U.S. and Canada, or international candidates who have completed Steps 1, 2 and 3 of the USMLE and are eligible for a travel visa. A second year in the program is possible for those interested in clinical or basic science research in Immunology.
A Comprehensive Education
Fellows will see a broad spectrum of patients with different types of uveitides. The ultimate goal of the fellowship is to train specialists in uveitis who will be able to provide the most sophisticated and updated evaluation, diagnosis and treatment (both medical and surgical) for patients with uveitis. Among the ophthalmic diagnostic studies routinely performed are: fluorescein angiography, ICG angiography, SD- optical coherence tomography and electrophysiology. The clinical experience includes medical retina, in addition to uveitis; the research program includes both clinical and/or basic immunology research in one of our laboratories.
Interactive Opportunities
Primary clinical contact is in the Kentucky Lions Eye Center in both our Primary Care Center and the private patient clinics of Harpal Sandhu, M.D., who is the director of the program, and the retina faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (see below). In addition, the fellow will participate in didactic sessions throughout the week, including journal club, uveitis club and imaging/electrophysiology conferences.
Advanced Research Program
The basic science research program in Immunology is directed by Hui Shao, M.D. Ph.D. Fellows will have the opportunity to study the pathogenesis of uveitis and gain insight into the mechanisms of autoimmune inflammation so that novel forms of therapy can be developed. Laboratory studies are performed on animals, although clinical research programs will involve patients with uveitis. The goal of this experience is for the fellow to be able to establish an independent research program upon completion, and this will require a second year of training.
Attending Faculty
Fellows work closely with faculty, who are among the world’s top physicians in their specialties and are involved extensively with clinical and basic science research. This enhances a fellow’s skills and improves their overall level of knowledge.
Faculty members include:
Application & Questions
For more information on the fellowship or the University of Louisville Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, please contact Fellowship Coordinator Erin Moody at 502-852-0710 or email erin.moody@louisville.edu