Retina Today (RT): When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
I had an inkling that I would end up pursuing a career in retina after rotating in ophthalmology as a medical student. The first time I saw the retina, I was captivated by its beauty. Since then, the retina has never failed to inspire a sense of awe.
I formally decided to become a retina specialist about halfway through residency. I was fascinated by the sophistication of the techniques we have at our disposal to treat one of the most delicate tissues in the human body. I was struck by how incredibly thankful our retina patients were, even if their visual acuity was objectively poor. Retina specialists have the chance to make a profound effect on saving a patient’s vision, and that is the most beautiful thing to me.
RT: Who do you look up to as mentors in the field?
I was fortunate to have many great mentors throughout my training. While in residency, I learned to appreciate the complexity and the art of retina from Warren Sobol, MD; Shree Kurup, MD; Jose J. Echegaray, MD; and Daniel Weidenthal, MD. I will always strive to emulate their skill, knowledge, and humility.
In fellowship, I had the privilege of training under Yu-Guang He, MD; Rafael Ufret-Vincenty, MD; J. William Harbour, MD; Judy Kim, MD; Rand Spencer, MD; Zachary Robertson, MD; Angeline Wang, MD; Jennifer Cao, MD; Noy Ashkenazy, MD; Kishan Patel, MD; Mary Kansora, MD; and Ilyse Kornblau, MD. They taught me how to make tough decisions in surgery, approach difficult medical cases, and treat patients with thoughtfulness and kindness.
I will always remember the collegiality and insightful discussions of our weekly retina journal clubs. I also want to mention my senior fellows, Jason Chien, MD, and Sami Kabbara, MD, who provided much of the knowledge and skills I needed to thrive.
RT: What was one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship?
I spent 6 months at Parkland, the county hospital of Dallas, during my second year of fellowship. On that rotation, I was the primary retina surgeon for most of the hospital system’s patients, from their initial presentation to their postoperative follow-ups. My decisions will forever be a part of those patients’ medical journeys, especially in cases where I coached junior fellows. It was a heavy responsibility, and I will always remember each success story and surgical failure. Those patients’ stories will stay with me forever.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish now that you are in practice?
In my early years, I will focus on refining my craft, and my main priority will be taking care of my patients. I am also interested in teaching and research and hope to give back to the retina community.
As I mature in my practice, I plan to pass on my knowledge to residents and fellows and participate in various clinical trials.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Take each case as a learning opportunity and always look for ways to improve upon your last experience. The retina can humble you in endless ways, and each case will be a new challenge. It is incredibly satisfying to see your own growth through residency, fellowship, and beyond; remember that the challenges will make each success sweeter.
