The UC San Diego Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery believes in fostering the clinical, surgical and research education of ophthalmologists throughout the world. To this end, we offer an International Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This fellowship is approved by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS).
The fellowship is 24 months in duration. Both clinical, research and observership positions are available. Upon acceptance as a clinical fellow, a California Medical Board Section 2111 appointment is made which uniquely allows the international fellow to have direct patient contact and surgical experience under the direct supervision of the fellowship preceptors. International fellowships at UC San Diego are non-funded. Fellows must bring financial support from their home institutions or other sources. Potential applicants should speak and write English well enough to communicate with patients and staff members.
Fellows divide their time between the busy clinical and surgical practices of Dr. Korn and Dr. Kikkawa. International fellows become integral members of the UC San Diego Oculoplastics Team and participate in all clinical, surgical and research aspects of the division. Clinical and surgical anatomy is stressed. Cadaver dissection and practical surgery session provide the fellow with an anatomic foundation. In addition to clinical and surgical experiences, all fellows are expected to participate in clinical or basic science research and to present findings at local, regional or national meetings. Previous fellows have returned to their respective institutions and have taken up prestigious positions in their countries.
Bobby S. Korn, M.D., Ph.D. is the primary preceptor and Director of the Fellowship. Don Kikkawa, M.D. is an associate preceptor. The fellow will spend the majority of time at UC San Diego with Dr. Korn and Dr. Kikkawa. All preceptors are committed to teaching and providing the fellow with the best learning experience possible.
Dr. Zvi Gur is the current ASOPRS International Oculoplastics Fellow at the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute. Dr. Gur was born in Israel and is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Soroka University Medical Center. During his residency, Dr. Gur was a chief resident and mentored medical students in their transition year.
Dr. Gur enjoys all aspect of Oculoplastic surgery including orbital trauma and surgery, periocular reconstructions and treating age-related facial changes. He also enjoys collaborating with other colleagues at the Shiley Eye Institute and the UC San Diego School of Medicine. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Gur is committed to resident teaching, research, and participating in national and international conferences.
Dr. Gur believes that under the guidance of his mentors, he can learn and practice all aspects of Oculoplastic surgery by integrating the cutting edge of modern medicine, surgically and academically. His long term goals are to return to Israel and to become an independent oculofacial plastic surgeon and a researcher. He also wishes to continue to teach residents and medical students in the future in the same way that his fellowship preceptors impart to their trainees.
In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family and friends, hiking, swimming and making new friends and enjoying the wonderful amenities of Southern California.