Ophthalmology residency program receives top accreditation

  • Published
  • By Linda Frost
  • 59 Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Ophthalmology Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center here has obtained the highest level of accreditation.

Officials with the Accreditation Counsel for Graduate Medical Education have awarded the residency program a five-year accreditation for the second consecutive time.

The joint Air Force and Army program is the largest ophthalmology residency in the Department of Defense. There are 18 residents, including 12 Air Force and six Army residents. All residents do their rotations at Wilford Hall, Brooke Army Medical Center and Audie Murphy Veterans Memorial Hospital in San Antonio.

"The accreditation is a reflection of the hard work that previous program directors put into place," said Lt. Col (Dr.) Gary Lane, former ophthalmology residency program director, who led the program at the time of accreditation.

In July, Dr. Lane became an Air Force reservist and continues to teach and see patients at WHMC and also works in private practice. He credits former program directors, Col. (Dr.) David Holck and retired Col. (Dr.) William Flynn, for building a solid foundation.

"It is a continuation of their hard work," said Dr. Lane.

He says the faculty meets regularly to discuss topics and issues within the department, remains proactive and continues to look for opportunities for advancement.

During a 36-month period, residents learn in different military environments. Each year, they must meet high standards of excellence to demonstrate their clinical and surgical knowledge. They are required to do extra reading, attend lectures every week and do research projects. The residents receive hands-on training with cutting-edge technology and work in one of the busiest clinics at WHMC.

"I think we've always had a tradition of good program directors who have tried to improve the program to make it stronger," said Dr. Lane.  "Morale is high and the residents are motivated."

ACGME is responsible for the accreditation post-MD medical training programs within the United States. Accreditation is accomplished through a peer-review process and is based upon established standards and guidelines. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is a private, non-profit council that evaluates and accredits medical residency programs in the United States.