Ana Vega Carreiro de Freitas, MD is a 2021 ASCRS Foundation Young Eye Surgeon International Service Grant recipient. This grant was created for aspiring humanitarian ophthalmologists who want to participate in and learn about the complexities of our global healthcare system. Read below about Dr. Freitas' service project and her advice for other young eye surgeons. Our 2023 grant application is now open through September 8, 2022. Apply here!
ASCRS Foundation: How did you initially become interested in ophthalmology?
Dr. de Freitas: "I always dreamed about directly impacting other people's lives with my work, and I was sure that I would choose a surgical career in which I could work in a predictable environment, being less dependent on other specialties. With ophthalmology, we can directly see most parts of the eye and watch in real time what we are examining and operating. However, different from what I was thinking, due to the high volume of procedures and consultations, the ophthalmologists' work is highly dependent on a team of assistants and nurses. It made me understand the value of a great team."
ASCRS Foundation: How did you hear about the ASCRS Foundation and the Young Eye Surgeon International Service Grant program?
Dr. de Freitas: "I have always been interested in medical education and in surgery training. In 2020 I started my Ph.D. at the University of São Paulo and my co-advisor showed me the ASCRS Foundation Young Eye Surgeon International Service Grant program saying: 'Ana, I think this program is perfect for you and your project'. At that time, due to the pandemic, the ASCRS Foundation was looking for grantees who could complete part of the project online. I was already developing and adapting to an online format for my program to teach cataract surgery called 'How to train cataract surgery at home'. When I got the grant it helped me to record the activities and spread this kind of knowledge to other people in the world."
ASCRS Foundation: Can you tell us more about the service project that you are working on as a result of the grant?
Dr. de Freitas: "I developed a digital version of the course 'How to train cataract surgeries at home', a wetlab that I created while I was a resident in 2018. I had been given the opportunity to coordinate this wet lab throughout the main conferences in Latin America. In this wetlab, we use low-cost accessible materials to train cataract surgeries. There are now 16 recorded classes located on cybersight explaining this methodology. I also went to BRASCRS with a wetlab presentation exclusive for residents on this theme that sold out three months in advance of the conference."
ASCRS Foundation: As a Foundation grantee at the Annual Meeting, what were the highlights of your experience?
Dr. de Freitas: "The connections that I have made since I started in this program have been incredible. I now have my course in Spanish and Portuguese available for free on the cybersight platform. Moreover, I have learned about other projects that are supported by ASCRS Foundation. I am also participating in another project with a 2022 grantee, Aakriti Garg Shukla, MD, who is a contributor to EyeSustain - a great initiative for sustainability in ophthalmology."
ASCRS Foundation: What advice would you give to other young ophthalmologists looking to pursue the Young Eye Surgeon International Service Grant opportunity?
Dr. de Freitas: "My first piece of advice would be to apply for this grant. Do not be afraid to present your idea! We really need young minds like you to help younger as well as more experienced ophthalmologists. My second piece of advice is to start where you are and with what you have. Do not wait to be more prepared. A good project will be developed on its way. And my third piece of advice is to work with good mentors. I had the help of three other physicians to think about and write my proposal for the grant - my Ph.D. advisor, my co-advisor, and a recently graduated physician who reviewed my application letter. So, as you can see, a good proposal is built by many hands. Just find your contributors and trust them. You will do a great job!"
The Young Eye Surgeons International Service Grant was created to inspire young eye surgeons to become involved with global eye care on a long-term basis. The grant affords the opportunity to participate in health care systems, including teaching institutions and community programs, in developing countries. Email Violet Gehr, Foundation Coordinator, at vgehr@ascrs.org for more information or if you have any questions.