Ophthalmology Resident Life
The U-M Medical School Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences' Ophthalmology Residency program offers a vibrant, supportive resident experience that balances rigorous clinical training with a collegial and inclusive environment.
Residents benefit from a culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and personal well-being alongside academic and surgical excellence.
Training takes place in state-of-the-art clinical and surgical facilities, with extensive exposure across all ophthalmic subspecialties. Residents gain hands-on experience managing a wide range of eye conditions—from routine care to complex and rare diseases—while developing strong diagnostic, surgical, and decision-making skills.
Opportunities for clinical research and innovation further enrich the educational experience.
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Current Residents
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the U-M Medical School is comprised of a diverse and dedicated team. Under the expert guidance of faculty, residents develop skills that equip them to exceed the highest standards of patient care and research.
Resident Wellness
At Kellogg, we believe wellness is foundational to becoming a skilled and compassionate ophthalmologist. Just as we train our hands in the OR and our minds in the clinic, we also dedicate time and resources to an official wellness curriculum.
We foster a culture of openness and transparency. We talk frankly about surgical mistakes, difficult patients, feelings of inadequacy, and bad outcomes, not to dwell, but to learn. By normalizing these conversations, we transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Structured reflection rounds and program-wide meetings give residents space to share highs and lows, improve the residency experience, and support one another. At the institutional level, the University of Michigan union advocates for better pay, protected time off, and additional resources, recognizing that systemic wellness matters just as much as individual resilience.
And because wellness also means community, we balance hard work with spending time together: kayaking, tailgates, apple picking, and other monthly events where partners, families, and even our dogs are part of the team.
Hear From Our Residents
Beyond the clinic and operating room, residents enjoy a close-knit community of peers and faculty who foster camaraderie, support, and professional growth. This sense of community is complemented by life in Ann Arbor, a culturally rich and active city offering arts, athletics, music, and exceptional dining, creating a well-rounded and rewarding residency experience.
Hear from our residents about their training experiences by watching the video playlist below.
Learn from our residents about the unique features of the program.
Social Media
A picture (or story, or reel) is worth a thousand words. Don't just hear about our exceptional training; see it in action. The Ophthalmology Residents at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center Instagram page is where we showcase the day-to-day lives of our residents, chronicling their journeys toward becoming excellent ophthalmologists.
On our Instagram, you’ll see life in Ann Arbor and all the activities that we do together as a group (e.g., kayaking, pickleball, yoga, restaurants, Surgery Olympics, events, conferences) and as individuals. One of our favorite annual posts is highlighting the starting PGY-2s!
Our Community
Feel at home in Michigan. Explore what it’s like to live, learn and grow in Ann Arbor among a diverse and supportive network of leaders in ophthalmology.
