Residency Program in Ophthalmology University of Georgia

Residency Program in Ophthalmology
Department of Small Animal Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602

Program Overview

The ophthalmology service at the University of Georgia is excited to offer a 3-year ophthalmology residency training program beginning July 15, 2025. The objectives of this residency are to provide a non-degree, advanced clinical training program in companion animal ophthalmology and to offer experience in clinical ophthalmic research and teaching. Candidates must be highly motivated and have previously completed a one-year rotating internship or its equivalent in practice experience.

The University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Athens, Georgia.  Athens is a community of approximately 125,000 residents located 65 miles northeast of Atlanta.  The College’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital was built in 2015 and provides out-patient and hospital accommodations for the medical and surgical treatment of companion animals.  Complete clinical, diagnostic, and pathologic facilities permit the intensive diagnostics and care for hospital patients, and our hospital is staffed with specialists in all veterinary specialties including surgery, internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, oncology, emergency and critical care, dermatology, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, anatomic and clinical pathology, and zoological medicine. In addition, the integrated ophthalmology team at UGA includes 3 ophthalmology faculty members, 3 ophthalmology residents and 1 ophthalmology technician.   We have a busy caseload that includes a large equine component. Applicants must be comfortable handling and treating horses although case management is shared with the large animal internal medicine service.

The resident will spend his or her time working on the ophthalmology service in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. All clinical duties will be conducted under direct supervision of the ophthalmologists and will include diagnosing and treating companion animals with ocular disease, managing inpatients, providing consultations for doctors from other hospital services and surrounding general practices, and contributing to the education of senior veterinary students working in the teaching hospital. Residents are expected to see patients of the ophthalmology service presenting after-hours on emergency, as well as provide back-up on any other after-hours ophthalmology cases. This duty is rotated between ophthalmology residents. 

Ophthalmology residents participate in patient rounds and student teaching including laboratories for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year veterinary students. Ophthalmology rounds/ journal club are held weekly and ocular histopathology rounds are held monthly; ophthalmology residents are expected to attend and participate in these rounds to expand their knowledge base and help prepare for the ACVO board examination. Additionally, attendance at the hospital grand rounds seminar is strongly encouraged. Residents are expected to write a grant and complete a residency project and submit for publication before completion of the program. 

Vacation, Compensation, Fees, and University Requirements

For every 12 months of training, 10 days of vacation time are provided, as well as 10 days of sick leave.  Although there are no state funds to support travel, the ophthalmology service is usually able to provide funding to partially offset expenses associated with travel to one professional meeting. The beginning annual stipend is $36,615. A onetime application fee of $75 and tuition and student fees (approximately $1390/year) are the responsibility of the individual selected for the program. Required fees allow access to the Ramsey Student Activities Center (sports complex) and Gilbert Student Health Center, as well as access to student tickets for athletic and cultural events. Access to student services is not accessible until the fall semester begins. Parking fees (approximately $240/year) are an additional expense and can be payroll deducted (monthly or yearly).

Proof of medical insurance coverage and proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, tetanus, hepatitis B, and rabies are required. Health insurance is required and is the financial responsibility of the individual. Medical insurance is available through the Graduate School at a reasonable rate, but may be waived if proof of coverage is provided. Coverage through the Graduate School will be available beginning August 1, 2024. Please visit the following website for additional information regarding health insurance fees https://hr.uga.edu/students/student-health-insurance/. Be advised that the UGA policy will not take effect until August 1, 2024, so you will need to independently obtain health insurance to cover yourself from July 15, 2025, until August 1, 2025.

House Officers (Residents/Interns) at the University of Georgia are classified as graduate students, and thus for the purpose of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are not considered to be full time employees. The University of Georgia does not participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please consider this information if you desire to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness or other loan repayment programs.

Applicants who wish to visit must contact the service they are interested in and arrange a visit lasting ½ to 1 full day with clarification that there will be NO ONSITE INTERVIEW. All faculty would not necessarily be available, no reimbursement or meals wil be covered and formal interviews will all take place on zoom.  The hospital and department must know that they are there and sign a waiver.

Application Process

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in its programs or activities. The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to enhancing the diversity, equity and inclusion of the College and the Veterinary Profession.

A curriculum vitae, cover letter and three letters of reference should be delivered by email to Dr. Myrna by Monday, November 11, 2024 12pm EST. A subset of individuals will be invited to interview and the position will be offered following the ORCA guidelines 2023-2024.

Questions about the program should be directed to:

Dr. Kathern Myrna
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Athens, GA  30602-7390
kmyrna@uga.edu
706-247-3701