Real World Ophthalmology Career Accelerator Series
Real World Ophthalmology (RWO) is excited to announce the launch of the members-exclusive RWO Career Accelerator Series! This initiative is designed to equip young ophthalmologists with the insights and strategies they need to succeed, featuring our incredible faculty who are eager to share their experiences and pearls of wisdom for navigating key career milestones.
Whether you’re preparing to negotiate your first job contract, considering joining or opening a private practice, or exploring other career opportunities, this series offers invaluable guidance tailored to your unique goals. Featuring a mix of virtual and in-person events, the Career Accelerator Series is your chance to gain insights directly from leaders in the field.
Kicking Off with "All About Jobs"
The first event in the series, "All About Jobs," brought together a stellar lineup of guest faculty:
Dr. Grayson Armstrong
Dr. Barton Blackorby
Dr. Meenakshi Chaku
Dr. Jamie Keen
Dr. Lucy Mudie
Dr. Lisa Nijm
Dr. Ryan Smith
This virtual event was a deep dive into what every young ophthalmologist should know before signing their first contract. The session began with general advice and a lively Q&A segment before transitioning into focused breakout rooms tailored to specific pathways and subspecialties.
Key Highlights
Negotiating Your First Contract: Strategies for focusing on base salary, understanding remuneration models, and balancing work-life priorities.
Private Practice Insights: Building referral networks, excelling in patient relations, and navigating income models like “eat what you kill.”
Exploring Academic Careers: Tips on advancing through research, teaching, and administrative roles.
Specialty-Specific Considerations: Tailoring your practice to your specialty and negotiating essential equipment.
The Power of Networking: Tapping into alumni networks, local societies, and proactive outreach to uncover opportunities.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Series
The Career Accelerator Series is your gateway to personalized mentorship, actionable strategies, and invaluable insights from seasoned ophthalmologists. Whether you're negotiating your first job contract, considering practice ownership, or exploring subspecialty pathways, this series will provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
Stay tuned for upcoming events in the series and join Real World Ophthalmology today—membership is completely free for all young ophthalmologists!
Helia Ashourizadeh, MD
Helia is a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and is planning to apply for Ophthalmology Residency in 2026. Passionate about medical education, she joined Real World Ophthalmology in January 2023 and has served as the Educational Team Lead since then. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, gardening and discovering new places around the city.