Editorial
Undergraduate ophthalmology teaching Dr Denis Stark and his colleagues have undertaken an investigation into the important subject of undergraduate training in ophthalmology, with particular reference to its duration and the topics that are taught (see pages xx-xx). There are four major reasons why I believe it is important that students be taught ophthalmology in their undergraduate curriculum. Adequate training in ophthalmology will enable medical practitioners to diagnose, treat and refer if necessary, patients with ophthalmic problems which are common in general practice. The examination of the eye does give the opportunity to gain insight into disease processes which may affect microvascular circulation, such as diabetes. It is also important to have effective undergraduate education in ophthalmology to increase the enthusiasm of medical students to enter into the specialty of ophthalmology, and thereby keep standards high within the profession, and finally the act of teaching students improves the level of expertise of the teachers. Although there is general consensus that teaching undergraduate ophthalmology is important, the
Editorial
length and content of this training is subject to much variation throughout Australia. Dr Denis Stark and his colleagues have given us important insight into the local emphasis which is placed by general practitioners, physicians and surgeons on ophthalmology training in Queensland and in particular the length of the training and subjects that should be covered. Undergraduate education is under the control of the universities, but the college which encompasses most people who would be providmg undergraduate education therefore may be able to provide a forum for the dissemination of ideas and the coordination of a more uniform undergraduate teaching in ophthalmology. Obviously, each clinical school will have a different emphasis, and a varying amount of time that can be allotted to the teaching of ophthalmology, but I think it is important that the College take steps to decide what will constitute a balanced undergraduate medical education. Justin O’Day Chairman Qualification and Education Committee
277
Undergraduate ophthalmology teaching Dr Denis Stark and his colleagues have undertaken an investigation into the important subject of undergraduate training in ophthalmology, with particular reference to its duration and the topics that are taught (see pages xx-xx). There are four major reasons why I believe it is important that students be taught ophthalmology in their undergraduate curriculum. Adequate training in ophthalmology will enable medical practitioners to diagnose, treat and refer if necessary, patients with ophthalmic problems which are common in general practice. The examination of the eye does give the opportunity to gain insight into disease processes which may affect microvascular circulation, such as diabetes. It is also important to have effective undergraduate education in ophthalmology to increase the enthusiasm of medical students to enter into the specialty of ophthalmology, and thereby keep standards high within the profession, and finally the act of teaching students improves the level of expertise of the teachers. Although there is general consensus that teaching undergraduate ophthalmology is important, the
Editorial
length and content of this training is subject to much variation throughout Australia. Dr Denis Stark and his colleagues have given us important insight into the local emphasis which is placed by general practitioners, physicians and surgeons on ophthalmology training in Queensland and in particular the length of the training and subjects that should be covered. Undergraduate education is under the control of the universities, but the college which encompasses most people who would be providmg undergraduate education therefore may be able to provide a forum for the dissemination of ideas and the coordination of a more uniform undergraduate teaching in ophthalmology. Obviously, each clinical school will have a different emphasis, and a varying amount of time that can be allotted to the teaching of ophthalmology, but I think it is important that the College take steps to decide what will constitute a balanced undergraduate medical education. Justin O’Day Chairman Qualification and Education Committee
277
