Client: Dr. Ellen Penno
Copyright 2008 Dr. E. Anderson Penno
What education is required to be an ophthalmologist and perform LASIK?
To become a skilled ophthalmologist, which is a medical eye doctor who is qualified and trained to perform LASIK eye surgery, as well as other procedures, you must begin preparing as soon as possible. It is recommended that you start as early as high school.
Work hard to get good grades and good standardized test scores so that you will be accepted into a good college. Focus your energies on science courses once you have satisfied your regular curriculum requirements.
College Preparation
You should focus on a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in biology or chemistry. You must maintain good grades in college as well to prepare for your next educational step.
This step is being accepted into medical school. Acceptance into medical school is a very competitive task and it may take you some time to accomplish this. The better your reputation and grades are, the better chance you will have. Focus on these things as much as possible:
� Good grades
� Good relationships with your college professors
� Good scores on your MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Once accepted into medical school, focus and work very hard for the entire four years to obtain your medical degree.
Internship, Licensing and Residency
Your next step is to begin a one year residency with an ophthalmologist. Do your homework and research your prospective employer before applying for your residency. Be sure you are choosing an ophthalmologist who has the same principles and values you have to be sure their practice will be a good stepping stone on your way up the ladder of success.
Study hard to pass all of the national tests necessary to obtain your license to practice medicine for the state in which you plan to practice. Each state requires its own licensing tests, so consider carefully where you want to live and practice.
The last required step is to complete an approved three-year surgical residency program. Once you have done this, you are on your way to building your own practice and working to become a respected professional ophthalmologist in your area.
Board Certification
Although not required, it is highly recommended that you apply to the American Board of Ophthalmology to become a board certified ophthalmologist. All of the other steps are required and will help you gain a reputation in the field if you do well. Board certification however, will likely make it easier for you to find a job and begin your own practice serving your own patients.
This certification is voluntary and proves you have taken that extra step to be as involved and skilled in your chosen profession as you can possibly be. Patients and physicians hold their doctors and fellow members in much higher regard when there is a board certification in the credentials.
To learn more about becoming an ophthalmologist or to find a skilled and caring eye doctor to meet your needs in the Calgary and Alberta areas, please visit Dr. E. Anderson Penno's website today.