Program Director

Zelia M. Correa, MD, PhD
Director of Ocular Oncology
Ophthalmic Oncology Medical Director
Associate Medical Director for Pediatric Ophthalmic Oncology

Co Director

Carol Karp, MD
Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology
Associate Medical Director for Ophthalmic Oncology
Academic Division Chief for Cornea

Program Coordinator

Damarys Menendez
Manager, Fellowship Program
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
UHealth - University of Miami Health System
900 N.W. 17th Street
Miami, FL 33136

Phone: 305-326-6032
Fax: 305-326-6580
Email: d.menendez3@med.miami.edu

Overview

The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute offers a one-year surgical, clinical, and research fellowship training program related to intraocular and ocular surface tumors and pseudotumors. The program is focused on ophthalmologists who have completed their residency and are highly motivated in pursuing further training in ocular oncology. The fellowship director is Zelia Correa, MD, PhD, Director of Ocular Oncology and the co-director is Carol L. Karp, MD.

The program is unique in its combination of hands-on surgical experience, diverse clinical pathology, and the ability to conduct cutting edge research under the guidance of pioneers in prognostic biomarkers and molecular targeted therapies. Surgically, the fellow will serve as the primary surgeon in over 100 cases including I-125 plaque placement, minimally invasive intravitreal and transcleral tumor biopsies, diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy, as well as advanced ocular surface techniques. In addition, the fellow will gain experience with cutting edge therapies for retinoblastoma including intravitreal injections and intra-arterial chemotherapy. Clinically, the fellow will become proficient in the latest clinical imaging technologies and laser techniques, along with ocular ultrasound and will gain expertise in the use of genetics and genomics in the application of state-of-the-art precision medicine for ocular oncology patients. Importantly, the trainee will learn a comprehensive approach to managing ocular tumors by working closely with the radiation oncology, radiation physics, and oncology services.

The fellow will work with the ocular pathology fellow to organize weekly pathology review sessions and quarterly clinicopathologic conferences, which are held in conjunction with ocular pathologist Sander Dubovy, MD. In addition, the fellow will participate in monthly interdisciplinary ocular oncology tumor board meetings and other joint meetings with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The trainee will also have the opportunity to participate in weekly medical and surgical retina and cornea conferences and journal clubs.

The fellow will have an intensive research experience to include weekly participation in Lab meetings, and completion of at least one in-depth research project, which can include basic, translational and/or clinical research. The fellow will be funded to present their research project at one national conference.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the other fellowships offered through the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Interested candidates can apply through the SF match.

Accepted candidates should have an unrestricted full Florida medical license before beginning fellowship.