July 29, 2021
Episode 5: Dr. Ashlie Bernhisel, MD MSc
A discussion on
“Global Ophthalmology Training: A persistent journey of learning to build sustainable networks in delivering eye care around the world”
Dr. Ashlie Bernhisel, MD MSc
In this episode of Open Globe Talk, we are joined by Dr. Ashlie Benhisel who is a specialty trained ophthalmologist. She recently completed her global ophthalmology fellowship at the Moran Eye Center in Utah. Her medical school training and residency training were both obtained from the University of Utah. She got her subspecialty training in cornea and refractive surgery from The Shiley Eye Center at the University of California, San Diego. In addition to her global ophthalmology fellowship, she also maintains additional training in global eye care through the Masters program at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. With several papers published in peer reviewed journals, Dr. Bernhisel is an accomplished global ophthalmologist who started obtaining global health exposure very early in her training career. We are excited to share her journey in ophthalmology and how she utilized this past year to advance her knowledge and research work in global ophthalmology! If you have any questions related to global ophthalmology for Dr. Bernhisel, please contact: ashlie.bernhisel@gmail.com
Key discussion points:
-What led your interests in ophthalmology?
-Doris Duke Fellowship (which has now expanded into the “Child Well-Being Research Network”)
How did the fellowship affect her view of impactful global health?
-Her incredible year obtaining MPH in Eye Care at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
How was the program unique from others?
Changing perspectives on how to tackle global blindness
-Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation issues in Sub-Saharan Africa
-How was the experience of the NHS system during your time learning eye health through a UK program?
-The ‘World Report on Vision’ (WHO)
Countries need to deliver integrated patient-centered eye care
-The unique decision to subspecialize in cornea
-What is Global Ophthalmology Fellowship and what’s unique about the training at The Moran Eye Center?
How is the fellowship structured at Moran?
How is the fellowship like in a non-pandemic year vs. this past year during the pandemic?
Dr. Bernhisel’s unique background in global eye care research and how that allowed her to adapt during the year
-Dr. Bernhisel’s continuous work in Ethiopia and Haiti
-Local outreach at Moran Eye Center
Rates of astigmatism in pediatric population
-Young Eye Surgeons International Service Grant (specifically for global ophthalmology)
The ownership of creating projects out of personal interests in global eye care
-“International Council of Ophthalmology” accreditation program for countries without an Ophthalmology Board to certify them
-Pros & Cons to doing surgical subspecialty before a Global Ophthalmology fellowship
-The importance of following your passions to be able to balance all aspects of ones life
-Advice for any medical students/trainees thinking about a career such as global ophthalmology. Free resources from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to get started.
Episode-based Resources: