"The camera sees everything. I'm curious as to what the fellow sees when they see the cornea.”
Kristin Hammersmith, MD
The Scheie Eye Institute recently introduced its inaugural Cornea Fellowship, a new educational program poised to significantly influence the field of ophthalmology. Contributing to our 360º Expansion initiative, this fellowship merges innovative technology with comprehensive training.
Since the 1980s, Scheie has been exploring opportunities to establish a consistent, ongoing Cornea Fellowship program. Decades later, the revitalization of the Cornea Fellowship at the Scheie Eye Institute exemplifies our commitment to the growth and promise of the next generation of corneal specialists. Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Cornea Fellowship, Kristin Hammersmith, MD, is at the helm of this endeavor. Dr. Hammersmith's leadership began at Wills Eye Hospital, where she previously directed cornea fellows and where she has been shaping cornea specialists for many years.
Rooted in the latest advancements in technology and education, the fellowship integrates cutting-edge tools from the Measey Surgical Innovations Core, essential for the development of sophisticated surgical skills to treat advanced corneal diseases. Dr. Hammersmith emphasizes the unique educational approach of the fellowship, adding, "We focus intensely on the integration of advanced technologies. It’s not just about teaching the next generation of surgeons; it's about revolutionizing how we understand and treat the cornea."
Dr. Hammersmith also places an emphasis on the practical skills necessary. A distinctive aspect of this training involves traditional methods like colored pencil drawings during cornea exams. “Dr. Nagra and I do colored pencil drawings on every cornea exam we see," Dr. Hammersmith explains. ”Sometimes the fellows will ask, ‘why don't you just take a picture?’ The camera sees everything. I'm curious as to what the fellow sees when they see the cornea." Beyond what even advanced technology can capture, Dr. Hammersmith encourages fellows to engage with the cases they observe—emphasizing personalized observation over technological reliance. This bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application—preparing the fellows to lead the way in developing new surgical techniques.
Discussing the daily operations within the fellowship, Dr. Hammersmith revealed, "The fellow will often meet the patient first, gathering initial data which is crucial for personalized treatment plans." This hands-on approach ensures that fellows are not only observers but active participants in clinical and surgical settings—allowing the fellow significant leadership.
Further, the commitment to a mentorship-based learning environment is deeply valued. Dr. Hammersmith shared, "We believe it's a lifelong commitment, where both mentor and mentee continually learn and grow from each other." This philosophy is encapsulated in their daily 'chart rounds,' where fellows and mentors discuss complex cases—fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere and illustrating the close discourse and patient care analysis to which the fellow is exposed. Collaboration and multidisciplinary education is key to the fellowship’s curriculum—both with mentors and peers, critical to honing the ability to manage a wide array of clinical cases and to adapt to to ever-changing technology innovations.
The Cornea Fellowship at Scheie is set to redefine, lead, and innovate. "My vision for the fellowship's future involves expanding our reach and depth in corneal research and surgical practice," Dr. Hammersmith projected. "We aim to set new standards of care in ophthalmology."
by Maressa Park