USC Ophthalmology Residents Gain Invaluable Career Insights at Prestigious Heed Foundation Retreat

At a gathering overlooking the Pacific Ocean, two ophthalmology residents from the USC Roski Eye Institute recently participated in the prestigious Heed Foundation Retreat in La Jolla, California. The annual event, designed to nurture the next generation of academic ophthalmologists, brought together Yicheng Bao, MD, a third-year resident, and Andrew Duong, MD, a second-year resident, with some of the field’s most prominent figures.

Each year, the retreat aims to expose 30-35 residents from around the country, nominated by their department chair and residency program directors, to the diverse opportunities within academic medicine. Both Bao and Duong found the experience transformative, exceeding their initial expectations.

“I was absolutely blown away,” Bao said. “The retreat allowed us to interact in an intimate setting with successful early and mid-career academic ophthalmologists who have made major contributions to our field.”

Duong echoed this sentiment, noting that the retreat “provided a birds-eye view of what is possible in ophthalmology, which can sometimes be difficult to see in the day-to-day of residency.”

The event covered a wide range of topics, from clinical trials and work-life balance to the business aspects of ophthalmology and global health initiatives. One of the highlights for both residents was the opportunity to network with leaders in the field, including Dr. Michael Chiang, Director of the National Eye Institute.

Bao found Chiang’s vision for the future of eye care particularly inspiring. “The director’s passion, vision for the future, and firsthand accounts of leading large-scale research initiatives have sparked my own desire to contribute to the field,” he said.

For Duong, connecting with leaders in global ophthalmology, such as Dr. Jeff Pettey from the University of Utah, reignited his interest in global health. “The retreat pushed me to think about what lies beyond residency and how I want to incorporate global ophthalmology into my career,” Duong said.

The retreat also provided valuable insights into the practicalities of an academic career. Duong found discussions on fellowship selection, job hunting, and contract negotiation particularly enlightening. “One thing I learned was that negotiating a contract is not simply limited to salary and benefits. It importantly also involves time – how much time do you want to devote to education versus research versus clinical care.”

Both residents appreciated the opportunity to interact with peers from other programs, gaining perspective on ophthalmology training across the country. They also received valuable advice from faculty mentors. Duong shared one piece of wisdom that resonated with him: “Say yes often, particularly early in your career, as long as you have the bandwidth to do your job well. Then as you progress in your career, refine your commitments to align with your priorities.”

For Bao, a key takeaway was the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. “I have adopted a mindset of continuous learning and staying agile in an ever-evolving medical landscape in the context of the greater world.”

As they return to their residency programs, both Bao and Duong are energized and inspired to pursue careers in academic ophthalmology. The retreat has broadened their perspectives and instilled in them a desire to contribute to the future of eye care.

Duong summed up the experience: “The retreat taught me to consider the bigger picture, which can sometimes be difficult given the demands of residency. Doing so can allow you to be intentional about the opportunities you pursue in order to create a fulfilling career.”

As Bao and Duong continue their residency journey, the insights and connections gained at the Heed Foundation Retreat will undoubtedly shape their approach to ophthalmology and their future contributions to the field.