ASCO Residency Directors Professional Group Retreat: A Collaborative Success

ASCO Residency Directors Professional Group Retreat: A Collaborative Success

The ASCO Residency Directors Professional Group held its inaugural retreat on April 10-11, 2025, at Marshall B. Ketchum University, Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO-MBKU). This event brought together Residency Directors from the schools and colleges of optometry to discuss key issues, share insights, and foster professional development. The retreat was co-chaired by Dr. Caroline Pate (UABSO) and Dr. Judy Tong (SCCO-MBKU) and was generously sponsored by Dompé, Johnson & Johnson, and EssilorLuxottica.

The Retreat Highlights were:

• Presentation by Dr. Judy Tong (SCCO-MBKU): "Defining the Role of the Residency Director," which covered administrative responsibilities, job descriptions, and succession planning.
• Presentation by Dr. Dawn Goedde (OSU): "Understanding Generation Z," provided valuable perspectives on engaging with this generation of optometry students and residents.
• Presentation by Eryn Kraning (SCCO-MBKU): "Residency Revival," focused on residency promotion initiatives the residency directors hope to implement within the next year.
• Presentation by Dr. Julie DeKinder (UMSL): Highlighted changes to the ACOE standards for residency programs.
• Presentation by Dr. Diane Adamczyk (SUNY): "How to Develop Advanced Competencies," offered valuable feedback for residency programs to develop advanced competencies at their own institutions.

Additionally, Dr. Anna Bedwell (IUSO) and Dr. Beth Harper (UHCO) were elected Co-Vice Chairs of the Residency Directors Professional Group for 2025-2026.

The Residency Directors also enjoyed a gathering in MBKU President Dr. Julie Schornack’s office, followed by dinner at The Summit House. The meeting concluded with a tour of the Ketchum Health Clinic, providing attendees with an opportunity to explore their state-of-the-art facilities.

ASCO would like to express its gratitude to MBKU-SCCO for hosting the Residency Directors and to sponsors Dompé, EssilorLuxottica, and Johnson & Johnson for their generous support.