Weill Cornell Medicine Ophthalmology physicians are committed to excellence in the provision of ophthalmic services, including treatment for cataractous, corneal and external disease, retinal and vitreous disorders, pediatric and neurological ophthalmic conditions, glaucoma, and more. This week, top of the line specialists gathered at Schloss Arenberg alongside 34 fellows from 27 various countries to hold the 16th Salzburg Weill Cornell Seminar in Ophthalmology.
Dr. Gary J. Lelli Jr., Vice Chair and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology as well as Director of Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive and Orbital Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, served as the course director, marking his 11th participation. Dr. Herbert A. Reitsamer, Chairman at the Department of Ophthalmology and Director of the Research Program of Experimental Ophthalmology at the General Hospital of Salzburg, co-led the course. The outstanding faculty members included Dr. Ana G. Alzaga Fernandez, Dr. Susanne Binder, Dr. Charles A. Cole, Dr. Marc J. Dinkin, Dr. Christiane I. Falkner-Radler, Dr. Karolina Motloch, and Dr. Ulrike Stolba. Together, they offered 22 didactic lectures to the international group of fellows, including topics such as Identifying Eyelid Malignancies and Reconstruction Tips, Using New Technology to Teach and Learn Cataract Surgery, News on Cell-Derived Therapies and Retinal Implant, Surgical Cases in Retina: Retinal Detachment and Macular Hole, and more!
Fellows’ case presentations took place during two workshop sessions, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. While the majority of fellows are quite nervous to present in front of the group, they end up loving the opportunity in the end, hearing about diverse international cases, and receiving feedback from fellows and faculty members. This week, twelve cases were selected by the faculty as excellent case presentations, allowing the fellow to publish their case on the OMI’s online case library.
After many hours in the lecture hall, Wednesday afternoon offered some respite for the faculty and fellows. Despite cooler weather, many people used the time to rest, enjoy a cup of coffee in the city of Salzburg, go shopping, or explore the nearby outdoors. A classical chamber music concert took place exclusively for faculty and fellows on Thursday night, right here at the OMI venue! Last but not least, the group celebrated one last hoorah at the Friday evening graduation ceremony, in which they enjoyed a delicious meal together and received their certificates of participation.
