There are many perks to becoming a second-year retina fellow. Having slaved away as first years to cover our seniors during interviews and meetings, we are now finally reaping the benefits of seniority. This weekend’s AVTT meeting in Chicago was an all-expense-paid educational experience for fellows. Beyond learning just new surgical technologies and techniques, there were also talks about contract negotiations, practice design, reimbursement changes, and the future of healthcare reform. The eye-opening discussion was not all doom and gloom, as it gave us a chance to network with the experts and mingle with old friends. The central location of our hotel also gave us opportunities to sample dining and nightlife in downtown Chicago. Despite our late arrival on Thursday, Eric and I scored 10pm reservations at Girl and the Goat, where Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s creative menu wowed us with plates like pig face and a goat belly confit. Unfortunately, the Friday night wait for Rick Bayless’ flagship restaurant was more than 2 hours, so we went next door to his more casual counterpart for some mediocre tortas and churros. The wait at Giordano’s on Saturday night was no better, and even Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza did not impress me enough to consider a return visit. After dinner, I met up with some friends for drinks at Crimson Lounge, then bribed our way into the Roof lounge – considered one of the top 3 rooftop lounges in the world by Travel & Leisure – for house music and people watching. By the time I got home, there was little need to unpack, since I will be heading out again for ASRS in just a few short days.