Medical Students
Medical Student Education
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences is Minnesota's major public institution for the training of future Ophthalmologists and Vision Scientists. It is committed to attracting excellent students and to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty to provide clinical and didactic training for medical students, resident physicians, and post-residency fellows in ophthalmology. The department promotes continuing medical education for practicing ophthalmologists through courses and conferences. It has Minnesota's only orthoptic training program.
Our program in Medical Student Education works with a diverse population of University, HCMC, and VAMC clinical educators across the Twin Cities. Their support and clinical knowledge have contributed to many medical students becoming successful ophthalmologists today. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neuroscience is committed to offering medical students a quality ophthalmology education. Our mission is to give students the foundation and tools to allow for continued independent growth and success in their future careers.
Justin Yamanuha, MD - Director of Medical Student Education
Vania Rashidi, MD - Co-Director of Medical Student Education
Overview of Courses
OPH 7150 (Virtual Pediatric Ophthalmology)
Amblyopia is the leading cause of monocular blindness in children. Early diagnosis and treatment is predictive of outcome. Primary care providers and ophthalmologists have collaborative roles to play in the diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia and other pediatric ocular conditions. This entirely virtual course addresses pathophysiology, diagnostics, therapeutics and the role of team management for childhood ophthalmic conditions for University of Minnesota as well as visiting medical students interested in Ophthalmology or Pediatrics.
Faculty Preceptors: Dr. Sasha Strul & Dr. Susan Culican
OPH 7180 (Primary Clerkship)
This course exposes students to common ocular diseases that can be seen in family practice and provides an opportunity to develop the technical skills necessary for the accurate diagnosis of ophthalmic problems.
Faculty Preceptors: Dr. Justin Yamanuha & Dr. Vania Rashidi
OPH 7181 (Acting Internship in Neuro-Ophthalmology)
This elective will be offered only to select MS3 or MS4 medical students with plans to pursue either a residency in ophthalmology or neurology. During the rigorous 4-week rotation, students will be in clinic evaluating patients 8-10 half days per week. Students will be expected to work-up new patients at the level of a first year resident and present them to the neuro-ophthalmology attending. After clinic, students should read about diagnoses encountered in clinic. In addition, there will be required reading. Comprehension of the reading will be assessed by scheduled quizzes which will then be reviewed with the student by a faculty member. Interested students will be encouraged to engage in a research project with one of the faculty members although this is not required for the rotation.
Faculty Preceptors: Dr. Collin McClelland & Dr. Michael Lee
OPH 7190 (Research)
This course will introduce the student to some of the research problems in ophthalmology. It will be particularly valuable to someone who is headed for a career in ophthalmology.
Faculty Preceptors: Dr. Justin Yamanuha
See Research Resources Below.
OPH 7500 (Acting Internship in Ocular Diagnostics)
Ophthalmology utilizes numerous imaging modalities for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of numerous ocular conditions. This course is specifically focused on ocular diagnostics to help students grow in their understanding of these tools in Ophthalmology and better prepare them for Ophthalmology Residency.
Faculty Preceptors: Dr. Justin Yamanuha
Visiting Students
Interested in a career in ophthalmology?
The Ophthalmology Interest Group
Medical Student Guide
Phillips Neighborhood Clinic
Visiting Medical Student Resource Page