Short Term Medical Retina & ROP program review @ St John's Medical College, Bengaluru

Duration= 3 months, can be extended to 6 months for more ROP exposure (esp ROP laser)

Fees- 45000 for 3 months, no stipend

Accomodation not provided, can request for it, will be given based on availability for extra charge

2 fellows taken per session 

OPD starts at 8:30 till 2-3 PM 

There's afternoon IO screening for DM/ HTN patients after OPD 

Lasers and Injections are given in turns for both fellows.

If the fellow already has some experience, then they will be supervised initially, then independent lasers and injections will be given.

If the fellow has minimal experience, they will teach and supervise till the fellow gains confidence , followed by independent cases.

Clinical exposure- Good variety of cases - There's good exposure to common variety of cases, you will be well versed with management of DME, RVO disorders, CSCR among other common retinal disorders.

Since it is a multispecialty hospital, a good load of cases are cross referrals from other depts, so there'll be chance to see unique manifestations, including pediatric retina cases.

Number of lasers and injection depends on the pt load, but can expect minimum one laser every day.

You also get chances for Ozurdex injections but only in last month.

Also, If you end up doing the first sitting of laser for a patient then you can follow up and finish the rest of the sittings on subsequent visits.

ROP training

There's weekly screening in NICU every Tues, fellows will take turns every week to see ROP screening with the consultant

Initially, there's emphasis on documentation and techniques, then the fellow is taught to screen (with IO) under supervision for the rest of the posting. 

They will also be able to screen babies requiring follow-up screening, post NICU stay during OPD hours.

Will get exposure to Retcam as well, babies with ROP stages photo documentation is done both in NICU and OPD

ROP laser is given after adequate experience with IO laser in adults, will be allowed under supervision in the last month of the fellowship.

The option for 6 month fellowship is for those who want more focus on ROP training (both laser and injection)

Work timings - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

No night duties

Sunday off

Expect one day camp duty once a month at a Bangalore urban health center.

Academics- strong emphasis, with weekly Monday seminar presentations, classes on the basics by consultants

They encourage fellows to present in conferences and write up case reports etc.

Overall, a good program for a total beginner since you are skilled in lasers and injections by the end of 3 months. 

If your focus is ROP training, it's best to extend it to 6 months.