DR. EDMAR URIBE
“THE IUFV IS A THOROUGH INSTITUTION IN ALL THE DIFFERENT FIELDS OF OPHTHALMOLOGY AS WELL AS A WORLD LEADER BOTH FOR THE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF ITS MEMBERS AND FOR ITS HIGH HUMAN VALUE”
- Doctor and Surgeon – Universidad San Martin de Porres- Lima Peru
- Specialist in Ophthalmology – Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen – Universidad San Martin de Porres- Lima Peru
- High specialisation in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery – FOSCAL- Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga – Colombia
- Director of Eye Bank APABO (Pan-American Association of Eye Banks)
- University Professor USMP (Universidad San Martin de Porres- Lima Peru)
- Received Merit Scholarship USMP (Universidad San Martin de Porres – Lima Peru)
HOW DID YOU GET TO KNOW THE INSTITUTO UNIVERSITARIO FERNÁNDEZ-VEGA?
During my fellowship in FOSCAL-Colombia I constantly heard about the academic and scientific exchange with the Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (IUFV) as both entities worked together. The Institute was also present through the lectures of Dr Merayo at the annual course for residents that took place every year in Bucaramanga. That’s how I got to know more about the Institute and the post-graduate courses they had in cooperation with Universidad de Oviedo. I also asked some of my teachers who had been there during their own training.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO OVIEDO TO STUDY WITH US?
Once I had more information on the Institute, and having checked the papers published in high impact indexed journals, it was obvious that there was an outstanding academic quality, as well as very thorough groups in the field of clinical and basic research. I was therefore driven to get acquainted with and learn at this highly renowned institution that welcomed me with open arms.
WHAT WERE THE MAIN ACTIVITIES YOU CARRIED OUT AT THE IOFV?
I started my internship under the guidance of Prof Jesús Merayo, in the Area of Ocular Immunology and Uveitis, where we engaged in clinical and research activities. I subsequently started my Masters Degree in Cornea and Crystalline directed by Dr José F. Alfonso, where I had the opportunity to learn highly complex surgical techniques. This was made possible due to constant training as well as the state-of-the-art technology available at the IOFV. At the same time, throughout my fellowship, I was immersed in clinical and basic research projects. This was my first contact with basic research with experimental models, naturally following the appropriate ethical and scientific protocols. Studies were specially focused on the field of the expansion of mesenchymal cells of the cornea and the development of a new autologous tissue adhesive. I also had the opportunity to travel to different European meetings as part of my training and even as a lecturer on behalf of the IUFV at the European Society of Ophthalmology that took place in Nice, France.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
I am now going back to Peru, at a very difficult time for the whole world, but highly motivated to introduce everything I’ve learnt during my fellowships abroad, as well as looking forward to sharing my knowledge with my colleagues in Peru, so that we can improve the academic and scientific level of our country. Obviously, I also want to share this with all my fellow countrymen, who deserve the highest level of care. Furthermore, I received a grant from my university (USMO) that links me to university teaching, something that really motivates me to contribute to the institutional growth of my alma mater.
WHAT WOULD YOU HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE?
There are many things that one could highlight, but there are maybe two that stand out more. The first is the great organisation of the clinical and basic research structures, with very high level teams and work groups, enviable by any public or private institution worldwide. Secondly, the quality of the teachers is amazing both in the clinical and the surgical fields, aiming for perfection in the different highly complex procedures performed, as well as patient satisfaction in every single one of them.
Indeed, the IUFV is a thorough institution in all the different fields of ophthalmology as well as a world leader both for the professional quality of its members and for its high human value.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FELLOW OPHTHALMOLOGISTS?
The IUFV is an incredible place to complete one’s training in ophthalmology both in the clinical/surgical field and in the research area. I encourage everyone who has the opportunity to come to the IUFV, they will be welcomed with open arms and will receive working projects from the very first day.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?
The pandemic started during the last part of my fellowship, however, the IUFV took all safety measures from the very first day, testing us and starting appropriate biosafety measures. So much so, that I had no health problems and was able to continue with my work, especially in the field of research. Actually, we even did a study together with Dr Merayo on COVID-19 and Ophthalmology, which is pending publication. I always felt the constant concern of my teachers and the institution, always keeping an eye on any problem that could arise.
