Welcome, Kim!

Please join us in welcoming Kim Tolsdorf to the department! Kim is the new admin services coordinator for the retina service.

Kim Tolsdorf
Admin Services Coordinator - Retina
Retina Fellowship Coordinator
kim-tolsdorf@uiowa.edu
319-356-3185

Kim recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Mental Health, worked as a school-based therapist prior to joining the team and has 27 years of Administrative experience with a prior company.

Hometown: Currently - Riverside, IA; Originally - Collegeville, PA
Hobbies: Gardening, time with family
Alma mater: Buena Vista University


2020 Resident GraduatiON

Please mark your calendars for Resident Graduation on Friday June 26 via Zoom. The program will start at 6:30 PM and go for about an hour.  

Our fellows will be having their own graduation events with their specialty service this year.  

We hope you all will plan on tuning in to help us celebrate. There will be live prizes and participation so the event cannot be complete without you. We also have a very famous special guest planned to help us to celebrate!

**The Zoom link will be shared at a later date.**

Please contact Dr. Tom Oetting or Laura Pitlick if you have any questions.


Tips from the Library

Submitted by Caroline Allen-

PubMed Tutorial

The new PubMed is here. Here are some resources to get you acquainted with the site's new features. If you have any questions, you can contact Caroline at Caroline-Allen@uiowa.edu.

* click to view slides and notes


2020 Family Graduates

This department recognizes the important role that our families play in our lives. The graduation supplement is one way we acknowledge the accomplishments of those who support us behind the scenes.

Congratulations to all the graduates and to their family members in the Ophthalmology Department who have managed to get them this far in life and still be part of a world-class Department.

COLLEGE | POST GRADUATE

Katelyn Amanda Kelly, daughter of Karen and Bill Kelly graduated with her Master's degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose University in Davenport Iowa on Saturday May 9th in a virtual ceremony due to the COVID 19 health crisis. Katy had previously worked in Ophthalmology in Reception and Scheduling for 5 years and had graduated from the University of Iowa in 2018 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor's of Science in Medical Anthropology and a Minor in Global Health Studies. After graduation she started work at Iowa City Dermatology in reception and scheduling and just recently received a promotion to Office Manager. Last year in addition to working full time and completing her Master's degree, Katy also became the lead singer in a DIY band here in Iowa City named Basketball Divorce Court.  She enjoys this creative outlet and hopes to continue performing shows once social distancing rules are relaxed.

Mary Li, daughter of Chunhua Jiao, a former West High School student and Coca Cola Scholar, graduated from the University of Iowa on May 16, 2020 with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. She will be pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry this upcoming fall.

Lily Anne Lucas, daughter of Arda Lucas, graduated from Iowa State University earning a B.S. degree in Apparel, Merchandising & Design. Due to Covid-19, Lily's plans of moving to NYC to pursue her lifelong dream of working in the fashion industry have been put on hold. In the meantime, she will be working with children at the Purple Bloom School in Coralville.

Addalyn "Addie" May, daughter of Phyllis May, graduated from Scott Community College with her associate's degree and will continue this fall at St. Ambrose with a major in Forensic Psych and will be on the cheer team.

Meredith Music, Julie and Don Music's daughter, graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree (with a focus on piano performance) and chemistry minor with high distinction, university honors, honors in music, and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. While at the university of Iowa she also completed the pre-medical track and enjoyed working as a research assistant in Dr. Ferhaan Ahmad's cardiovascular genetics lab. Outside of school, Meredith has loved volunteering at Emerson Point Assisted Living and the UIHC patient's library, working as an usher at Hancher auditorium, and serving as a precinct election official. In the fall, Meredith will begin her medical education at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

Erica Noyes, sister of Marcus Noyes, OD, graduated from the Carver College of Medicine as a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Noyes will continue on to a Family Medicine Residency at JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas.

Benjamin Robert Sindt, son of Christine Sindt, graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Biology and minor in Psychology. In the fall he will be attending the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry.

Brian Wall, son of Dr. Michael Wall, graduated from the Carver College of Medicine and received the Robert Joynt Award for Best Student in Neurology. Dr. Wall will continue on to a Neurology residency at Northwestern University.

 
HIGH SCHOOL

Faith Lynn Beal, granddaughter of Laura Warner, Echography Service, graduates from Summit High School in Frisco, Colorado. Faith will be attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins in the fall. She will major in political science as she would like to pursue a career which allows her to have a positive influence within her community and beyond.

Holden DeVore, son of Rochelle DeVore (IRL), is graduating from Kennedy High School. Holden will attend Olivet Nazarene University to study Architectural Engineering. He will also play Varsity soccer.

Catherine Jones, stepdaughter of Kitty Jones, is graduating from Highland High School in Riverside. She plans to continue Kirkwood in the fall. Catherine currently works at Stuff, etc.

Caleb Sterbenz, son of Jaime Sterbenz, graduates from West Liberty High School this month. He plans on attending William Penn University in the fall on an athletic bowling scholarship and will be majoring in computer science.

   
KINDERGARTEN

'Joey' Joseph Greazel, is graduating from Heritage Christian School in North Liberty, IA.

   
PRE SCHOOL

Knox Green, son of Chelsea Green, is graduating from Purple Bloom School. His graduation honors are being an amazing friend while simultaneously being able to drive his younger brother batty. Next year he will be attending Kindergarten.

   

 


COVID-19 Updates

Our librarian, Caroline Allen (caroline-allen@uiowa.edu), has put together a resource page on the department's College of Medicine website including info about our local communities, ophthalmology specific covid-19 resources, and UIHC info. It is being updated as needed, so please let her know if you think anything should be added. A link to the page can be found under: Education/Eye Library/...


Below are some resources shared by the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and Hardin Library for Health Sciences in regards to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):


From the American Academy of Ophthalmology:


What Do You Enjoy Seeing?

Submitted by Joe Schmidt-

Our department strives to preserve and restore the vision of our patients every day. To celebrate 2020 as "A Year of Vision", the Department would like to feature images of your favorite views throughout the months and year ahead!

Please consider and appreciate what your vision allows you to experience each day. 

**May's Suggested Theme: Recognizing health, wellness, and diversity**

Share what you enjoy seeing! It could be something simple or complex; ordinary or unique; people, place, or thing; every day or special occasion; around UIHC, the department or beyond. You tell us what you are grateful to see and why your view is important to you!

Send your favorite photo image(s) to kelsey-hunold@uiowa.edu or text to 319-360-2984. Let us know if you'd like credit for the submission; otherwise it will be considered 'anonymous'. You're also welcome to include a short caption about why the view in the image is important to you (CAPTION IS OPTIONAL). 

Submissions will be reviewed and shared through the Weekly Update. Images may also be featured through the department website and social media profiles.

Banner design by Sarah Alward (daughter of Dr. Lee Alward)
- Dr. Lee Alward

Questions? Contact joe-schmidt@uiowa.edu or kelsey-hunold@uiowa.edu or caroline-allen@uiowa.edu


Geek Speak

Geek Speak

If you need to get ahold of Ophth IT by phone, PLEASE leave a message. The messages are forwarded to each one of the IT team's email addresses. Steven and Jess are rotating in and out of the department, so only one person is here at a time. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

Ways to Contact Us for Help
Phone:  78107
Email:  OphthIT@healthcare.uiowa.edu
ESC Portal:  https://service.healthcare.uiowa.edu (click on the link in the tips & tricks section to learn how to submit a ticket properly, so that it gets routed to Ophthalmology IT)

Tips & Tricks
Click HERE for a list of mini training videos.
If you've got ideas for what you'd like training on, please shoot Jess an email: Jessica-bramow@uiowa.edu


Wellness Corner

Submitted by Tonya Looker-

Wellness corner

 

June Wellness Updates


ATTN: UI Ophthalmology –
BURST YOUR THURST CHALLENGE is coming up next week. University of Iowa is currently #3 – YOU CAN HELP MAKE US #1
Please let Tonya Looker know if you are willing to be on a team. As team captain she will need get everyone registered ASAP.

The Corridor Corporate Games (CCG) is a company-based competition that offers events that promote physical activity, employee well-being and fun while representing one's company.  The 2020 CCG is going virtual and will offer events June 1 - August 15. The University of Iowa will earn points through participation, event placing, and a blood donation challenge as we compete against other organizations. At the conclusion of the Corridor Corporate Games, the coveted Corporate Cup will be awarded to the winners!  Hawkeyes are seeking to improve upon a 4th place finish in 2019, but defending our "Champion" status in the Blood Donation portion of the challenge! 

University of Iowa Goal for Corridor Corporate Games

  • Employee Engagement – Engaged employees forge strong connections to their roles, bring passion to their work, and become advocates for the university. 
  • Health and Well-being – Being physically active, doing activities that promote learning, and connecting with others have positive health benefits.
  • Community Engagement – The games provide an opportunity to represent UI in the community and meet other people.
  • Student Success - Internship opportunities are available for aspects of the Corridor Corporate Games and participating companies

View the presentation to UI Staff Council May 13, 2020 (pdf)

Help the University of Iowa WIN THE CUP!
1. View the Virtual Schedule of Events to see what you may be interested in participating in
2. Set up an account with Corridor Corporate Games so you're ready to participate in events or "check in" to events. Our company code is "CCGUOFI"
3. Follow Corridor Corporate Games and UI LiveWELL on Social Media for event promotions and announcements:

Ways to Earn Points

  • Donate blood, platelets, or plasma with UI DeGowin Blood Center and tell them you are a UI Employee and participating in Corridor Corporate Games
  • Check-in to "Virtual Events"Some announced events include:
    • Virtual Nature Walk (June 1-7)
    • BARRE Tuesday, June 2 @ 7:00-7:30 pm
    • Body Blast Thursday, June 4 @ 6:00-6:45 pm
    • Yoga Flow live classes Saturday, June 6 @ 1:30-2:30 pm
    • Virtual Fitness Challenge with Live Healthy Iowa - start training now for this event that you can 'check into' June 8 to July 14

Do you want to stay up-to-date on UI efforts to win the cup? In addition to following on social media (links above), please complete this interest form and we'll include you in weekly emails about upcoming events and openings that we're recruiting for!

https://hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/livewell/corridor-corporate-games


Iowa Lions Eye Bank | Update

Submitted by Ashley Dockendorf-

ILEB is going to start highlighting staff on our Facebook page each Saturday. Be sure to follow our page to learn more about your co-workers and the incredible work being done at ILEB.

As a Constituent Relations Coordinator for Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Ashley Dockendorf gives educational presentations to hospitals, Lions Clubs, and other community groups about the importance and process of eye donation.

She also maintains the ILEB Facebook page, and designs promotional materials to raise awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Lectures and Conferences

Schedule Subject to Change
Mon June 1   On-call Rounds
Tue June 2 8:00 AM Wanda Pfeifer, OC(C),COMT, and Arlene Drack, MD – Multifocal and Pattern ERG rounds
Wed June 3 8:00 AM Karam Alawa, MD
Thu June 4 8:00 AM Nasreen Syed, MD - Pathology Lecture Series
Fri June 5 7:00 AM BCSC
Schedule Subject to Change
Mon June 8 8:00 AM Joanna Silverman, MS3
Tue June 9 8:00 AM Wanda Pfeifer, OC(C),COMT, and Arlene Drack, MD – Visual Evoked Potential Rounds
Wed June 10 8:00 AM Caroline Allen, MD - Publishing Safely
Thu June 11 8:00 AM David Ramirez, MD, PGY2
Fri June 12 7:00 AM BCSC

For a complete calendar including speaker disclosures, click here.

  • CME ACCREDITATION: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    CME CREDIT DESIGNATION: The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    SPONSORED BY: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.

    CONTENT: Determination of educational content for this educational activity and the selection of speakers and facilitators are responsibilities of the activity director. Any commercial firms providing financial support did not have input in these areas.

    DISCLOSURE POLICY: Everyone in a position to control the content of this educational activity will disclose to the CME provider and to attendees all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. They will also disclose if any pharmaceuticals or medical procedures and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    TARGET AUDIENCE: Faculty, residents, fellows.

    EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES: Upon participating in this educational series, the participant should be able to discuss interesting and challenging clinical cases in a didactic and interactive format.

    CME CREDIT AND ATTENDANCE: Captured by self-texting a 5-digit activity code to 319-519-0048. The code is provided each day during Rounds. Before texting your attendance for the first time, you will need to text your Uiowa.edu email address to 319-519-0038. For questions, contact joe-schmidt@uiowa.edu.

Iowa River Landing

If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Chris Fortenbach, MD - Cell phone: 530-304-9314 (text message is preferred)


Ophthalmology Morning Rounds is held from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Braley Auditorium (01136), Pomerantz Family Pavilion. **Temporarily being streamed via Zoom.**




Upcoming events

NEW DATE - Sept 11-12 - Iowa Eye Annual Meeting