The Journey to Oculofacial Plastic Surgery: Tips for Aspiring Surgeons

Join Dr. Kian Eftekhari in this insightful episode of the Oculofacial Podcast where he explores the field of oculoplastic surgery as a career option for ophthalmology residents. Dr. Eftekhari, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is accompanied by two esteemed colleagues, Dr. Cat Burkat (current ASOPRS Fellowship Education Director and AUPO Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Manager) and Dr. Seanna Grob (Young ASOPRS Chair). Given their unique roles and perspectives, together they delve into the diverse and expanding scope of oculoplastic surgery, its unique blend of artistic and medical practices, and the personal journeys that led them to pursue this fascinating specialty.

The discussion opens with Dr. Burkat describing the breadth of oculoplastic surgery, highlighting procedures from lacrimal system surgery, pediatric oculoplastics, droopy eyelids, thyroid eye disease, to orbital tumors and aesthetic enhancements. Dr. Grob adds that the field allows practitioners to evolve their interests and specialize as their careers progress. Both emphasize the importance of mentorship and connections within the oculoplastic community, which plays a crucial role in fostering interest and skill development in the field. These relationships can help provide collaborations that can be beneficial for fellowship applications, as well as for long-term career aspirations. Dr. Burkat also emphasizes that the ASOPRS-approved Oculofacial Plastic fellowships have a long-standing reputation of excellent training and are carefully selected to provide the best fellowship education for patient care. The episode transitions into the specifics of academic oculoplastic surgery, discussing the dynamic nature of clinic and OR schedules, the collaboration with other specialties, and the rich opportunities for teaching and research.

Key Takeaways:

• The Scope of Oculoplastic Surgery: Oculoplastic surgery encompasses lacrimal system surgery, orbital tumors, trauma, eyelid surgeries, pediatric conditions, aesthetics, and more, offering a wide variety of challenges and opportunities.
• Mentorship and Connection: Building relationships with mentors in the field is crucial for personal and professional growth, creating a supportive environment for learning and innovation.
• Life as an Academic Oculoplastic Surgeon: This career path includes a mix of clinical work, surgery, research, and teaching, allowing for a diverse and exciting professional experience.
• Differentiating Fellowships: ASOPRS-approved fellowships are comprehensive and rigorous, spanning two years to ensure high-level training and expertise in the field. An ASOPRS-approved fellowship is respected and recognized by other specialties, and is often highly desirable for career and leadership advancement.
• Flexibility and Career Phases: The field allows for career evolution, enabling surgeons to shift between academic and private practice and adjust their focus as their careers develop.

Notable Quotes:

1. “We see some patients for a specific surgery that we take care of, and they are happy and move on. But we also have patients that we follow over many years and have a longer relationship with, which is like the best of both worlds.” - Dr. Cat Burkat
2. “In terms of academics, I really like the variety of things that I do during the day, and I don’t think that’s just unique to academics.” - Dr. Seanna Grob
3. “Our field is really just bursting through the seams in recent years. And I do agree [our members] are the best of the best.” - Dr. Cat Burkat
4. “Dealing with such a uniq