April 02, 2025
Mayo Clinic's Ophthalmology Residency aims to educate and inspire resident colleagues within a stimulating environment to learn the science and art of ophthalmology. Each year, four new residents are welcomed into the program.
"I vividly remember the special moment when I found out that I matched with Mayo Clinic," says Rani Hassoun, M.D., a PGY-1 resident in Ophthalmology. "Within minutes of receiving the news, our wonderful program director and several residents reached out to congratulate me and welcome me to the family. This early act of kindness and thoughtfulness quickly reminded me of why I had chosen to train at Mayo Clinic and rekindled my eagerness to begin training at a program that aligned with my goals."
Under the guidance of accessible, expert faculty, resident physicians manage a steady flow of patients with progressive clinical autonomy.
"Mayo Clinic's unique patient-centered and integrated practice offers an ideal environment for our residents' clinical, surgical and academic training in ophthalmology," says Andrea A. Tooley, M.D., director of the Ophthalmology Residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "Residents develop meaningful patient relationships while serving patients with a wide range of medical and surgical ophthalmic conditions."
The Ophthalmology Residency draws trainees from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests. Learn more about some of our residents' experiences so far:
Rani Hassoun, M.D.
Hometown: Chicago
Medical school: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Highlights: "Now that I've completed the first half of my intern year, I can confidently say that the training here has easily exceeded my expectations," says Dr. Hassoun. "The sense of camaraderie and support among residents and faculty is what first stood out to me. There is truly a shared sense of commitment to Mayo Clinic's tripartite mission — patient care, education and research."
"Early on, it became evident that the consultants were heavily invested in our learning," says Dr. Hassoun. "For example, whenever I'm on a nonophthalmology rotation, the consultants always make it a point to highlight the overlaps between ophthalmology and their particular specialty, such as rheumatology or dermatology."
"As for my ophthalmology rotations, I have already completed rotations in oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology," says Dr. Hassoun. "The teaching, mentorship and collegiality of the ophthalmology faculty have been outstanding, and I have built a robust foundation that will serve me well in the years to come."
Advice for future residents:
"Always keep in mind the purpose behind your journey in medicine," says Dr. Hassoun. "We are privileged to learn from and take care of patients — many of whom seek our help during vulnerable times, and they deserve our time and compassion."
Dr. Hassoun says, "Outside of the hospital, continue engaging in your hobbies, enjoy meaningful time with friends, and keep in touch with your family!"
Sydney Roston, M.D.
Hometown: Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Medical school: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Highlights: "Some highlights from intern year so far have included the hands-on learning, including suture clinics, wet labs and OR experiences," says Dr. Roston. "I spent about a month in oculoplastics at the start of intern year, which was a great way to learn the logistics of the OR very early in our training."
"I also spent a week with neuro-ophthalmology," says Dr. Roston. "And right now I am doing a month of cornea. I'm looking forward to spending time in the resident clinic later this year."
"So far, my year has been full of learning and new experiences," says Dr. Roston. "I've completed rotations in gastroenterology, rheumatology, genetics, neurology, infectious disease, hematology and neuroradiology."
"A fun element of our well-rounded training has included the opportunity to interact with the Caring Canines service dogs that come to visit," says Dr. Roston. "Hopper, who belongs to one of last year's chief residents, is an incredible part of the patient and staff-centered experience."
"Outside of my ophthalmology rotations, my favorite was with the infectious disease service," says Dr. Roston. "The faculty in the department were fantastic teachers, and there was a lot of overlap with disease processes that we can see in eyes."
Advice for future residents:
"Get to know as many of the people throughout other departments as you can," says Dr. Roston. "I love that we spend so much time during this year with the more than 100 internal medicine co-interns who will be our future colleagues across all the internal medicine subspecialties."
"I'd also recommend exploring all the hidden gems of Rochester and the surrounding area," says Dr. Roston.
For more information
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science: Ophthalmology Residency (Minnesota)
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.