Dartmouth maintains very close ties to Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India, and other international care organizations. Several members of the ophthalmology service participate in international ophthalmology missions. Through these connections, interested residents have the opportunity to arrange ophthalmology experiences overseas. A Dartmouth-endowed international travel award helps to fund an experience abroad for 1 PGY-3 or PGY-4 resident annually.
As the inaugural recipient of the Dartmouth Ophthalmology International Travel Award, I had the opportunity to visit Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India. I had an unforgettable experience, learning about their incredibly efficient and cost-effective health system, visiting outreach camps and helping to screen patients for cataract surgery, and observing and learning from true masters of surgery. It was an invaluable part of my residency and has me excited to make more trips in the future.
Mark Travor, MD (class of 2024)
