@RetinaToday

RT Asks: What are your pearls for success during fellowship?

My pearls for success in fellowship are to be well prepared, eager to learn, eager to listen to what your mentors teach you, and to follow instructions (especially during surgery). When you see patients in the clinic or when you are in the OR, think of yourself as the attending. Don’t go about your day thinking that someone else will examine the patient after you or that somebody will tell you what the best treatment option is. Having the mindset that the buck stops with you and that you are the decision maker will elevate your thinking—not only do you examine the patient, but you are also responsible for the assessment, plan, and outcome. If you are not sure of something or of how to proceed, always ask your mentors before proceeding. Finally—and this pearl applies beyond fellowship—always have the best interest of your patient in mind. Doing so will ensure that you are always making the right decision.

—Kourous A. Rezaei, MD

In each edition of @RetinaToday, the editorial team of Retina Today asks an Editorial Advisory Board member or other expert in the field a question.