Advanced Training Means Advanced Care
for our Patients
Following medical school, ophthalmologists complete 3 years of comprehensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Although the eye is a very small organ, it is highly complex. A small percentage of ophthalmologists pursue additional training called a fellowship in order to become an expert in one area of the eye. Outside a larger urban area, it is rare to find a practice with ONE physician with advanced training. At Medical Eye Center we have SIX:
Dr. Paul Jorizzo is the only doctor in Medford and Grants Pass with advanced glaucoma training; Drs. Paul Imperia and Matt Oliva are the only cornea-fellowship trained doctors in the region; Dr. Pete Spitellie is the only oculoplastic ophthalmologist in Southern Oregon. And Drs. Mike and Kim Hoyt are the only optometric physicians in southern Oregon with hospital residency training. Less than 2% of optometrists receive this intense year of additional training after completing their Doctor of Optometry degree.
Additional education is generally considered optional — but not to these doctors, whose priority is providing the best care possible to their patients.
Dr. Jorizzo says,” During my residency I had an opportunity to spend an additional year working with one of the leading authorities in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. Later in my residency, I became particularly interested in glaucoma. I did a formal glaucoma fellowship after residency to enhance my ability to diagnose and manage glaucoma using medical, laser, and surgical modalities. At the Medical Eye Center I enjoy a practice that blends my cataract, glaucoma, and retina interests.”
“A fellowship is more intense and specific,” Dr. Imperia explains. “I wanted to learn the latest refractive surgery techniques — to go beyond cataract surgery and help people with ‘normal’ eyes who were as frustrated with glasses and contacts as I was before I had LASIK.”
A year-long residency deepened Dr. Kim Hoyt’s knowledge of eye diseases, “I felt very confidant in my ability to diagnose and treat vision errors and diseases, but the extra training really prepared me to competently handle the challenging cases I face working with surgeons.”
Dr. Spitellie opted for additional training in specialized reconstructive and plastic surgery of the eyelids and surrounding tissues. “During my fellowship I spent 4-5 days per week in the operating room, directly mentored by one of the best and busiest oculoplastics surgeons in North America. It was pretty intense, but worth it. Now I confidently perform lid, brow, and mid-face lifts, and reconstruction around the eyes after skin cancer removal or trauma.”
Our newest surgeon, Dr. Matt Oliva, pursued an international fellowship, spending a year in Melbourne, Australia. “My fellowship really prepared me to offer the latest in cornea transplant techniques and the other complicated cornea issues we treat here.”
Dr. Mike Hoyt sums it up. “I’m really proud of our team. The advanced training we have all received directly benefits our patients. I’m always confidant that someone on our team has the experience to address any problem a patient might have.”