Full disclosure - I'm the patient coordinator at Park Avenue LASEK:
I'm going to guess not a single person has requested to speak with any of the fellows currently working here. It's a good guess considering I haven't had a single phone call yet.
If you want it straight from the horse's mouth, just ask to speak with the fellows, not Dr. Chynn. Since we're in the market for a new fellow (as our senior fellow is now opening up her own practice and moving on) we found ourselves on this forum. When she saw what was being said about her (soon to be former) boss, she decided to put her two cents in and defend the bad name he was getting on here, clearly through speculation.
I've worked in a few places in my life and one of the most important things you can ask for in an employer (and a surgeon) is honesty. Dr. Chynn delivers on that every time and has very high expectations of himself. Beyond that, I'll vouch for Dr. Chynn and support Dr. Puri's statement that the doc is definitely strict, but that's not to say that he's unfair. He's a perfectionist and he expects the same out of those working under him, ESPECIALLY those learning his procedure and techniques, assisting him in the OR, etc.. I don't think a single person out there looking for a fellowship wants to learn anything halfway. I also doubt doctors in general aspire to mediocrity, so I can't understand why anyone out there isn't chomping at the bit to gain first hand experience under the tutelage with someone who has 20+ years of experience in his field after studying under a premiere surgeon during his own fellowship (Dr. George Waring) and attending three ivy league schools. Apparently that doesn't seem to be held in high regard. Maybe everyone nowadays is looking for some cushy job where they can just coast and collect a check. These kinds of opportunities are rare and should be considered a gift. A gift that's obviously not being appreciated in the minds of those who are so ready to criticize someone they don't even know. Disappointing to say the least.
Beyond that, the doc made me 20/15 after I had my own surgery with him and does surgery for all of his staff if they need it as a courtesy to them. He even predicted (in writing, on the back of my business cards, etc.) that he would make me 20/15. I'd like you to find another doctor confident enough in his abilities to make that kind of claim before performing a surgery. 20/20, sure. 20/15? PLEASE introduce me to someone else with that kind of capability. I know all of his fellows both as colleagues and as acquaintances and they're some of the kindest and knowledgeable doctors I know. They all take pride in their work and attend conferences and submit studies on the forefront of their specialty.
Dr. Chynn has spent a great deal of his time branding and differentiating himself from the rest of the pack and only offers the safest procedures available. The smart patients and the smart fellows all know perfect results come from perfect expectations. What's the saying? Perfect practice makes perfect? That sums up what it's like to work here and it's exactly why I've stuck around. I could get a job anywhere else, but the potential for growth and learning here puts my previous jobs to shame.
Like I said earlier, if you're serious about finding a good fellowship, you should simply speak with someone who has first hand experience. You can call the office and ask to speak with a fellow and they'll even talk to you during their off hours on their personal lines when Dr. Chynn isn't around. If you really want the full story, all you have to do is ask for it. If you just want to make a mockery of yourselves by making assumptions, it's not going to be a good fit anyway so I suppose I should be thankful for everyone who's doing the screening for me.
