Rising Stars in Retina: Jesse D. Sengillo, MD

Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?

I had an early interest in the field of retina, and I even applied to medical school with the intent of pursuing vitreoretinal surgery. My mother has a progressive retinal condition that caused her to become legally blind in her early 30s. Witnessing the profound effect the condition has on her provides me with constant motivation for finding the best ways to help patients and push the boundaries of our field.

RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?

I feel very fortunate to have mentors past and present who continue to provide selfless guidance during my career. They include Audina M. Berrocal, MD; Stephen H. Tsang, MD, PhD; Harry W. Flynn Jr, MD; Thomas A. Albini, MD; Jayanth Sridhar, MD; Bryon L. Lam, MD; Ninel Z. Gregori, MD; and Justin H. Townsend, MD. In addition, I must thank my program directors, Steven J. Gedde, MD, and Chris R. Alabiad, MD, and the chair, Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD. They, among many others, are very invested in their trainees, and I am grateful for their advice and support at every stage of my training.

RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?

Watching Dr. Berrocal perform gene therapy on one of her patients with Leber congenital amaurosis was particularly influential for me. I have been following the initial translational work and breakthroughs for inherited retinal disease since I was a child, hoping it would one day be applicable to my mom’s condition. Having the opportunity to observe, in person, how research has advanced to a point of clinical application for patients with previously untreatable and blinding disease will always stay with me.

RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?

I am very excited to join the faculty at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute later this year as part of the new Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center. I hope to bridge my passion for both ocular genetics research and vitreoretinal surgery to provide personalized, compassionate, and advanced care for patients with retinal pathology, especially inherited retinal diseases.

RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?

The field of retina is extremely exciting because there is diverse pathology, innovative research, and the ability to perform surgeries that restore vision. With these opportunities and a quickly evolving field, it is extremely important to remember that the patient is the top priority and advocate for them.