Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
My initial interest was sparked the year after medical school when I spent some time working with Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. That’s what planted the seed. But my interest was confirmed during my second year of residency after shadowing in the retina OR. After seeing the complexity and the variety of surgical interventions that you can perform as a retina specialist, I knew it was the right fit for me.
RT: Who do you look to as mentors?
I am lucky to have many mentors at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. In particular, Yoshihiro Yonekawa, MD, has been an amazing mentor. He has fostered my love for pediatric retina and has always pushed me outside of my comfort zone—outside of most people’s comfort zone—as a retina specialist. He brought me into the complex pediatric retina fold and fostered my medical and surgical retina skills.
Sonia Mehta, MD, has been a vital mentor, especially as a woman in the retina field. From the time I was a medical student, I always looked up to her as a retina specialist and as a woman at Wills Eye. She has always encouraged me to push myself and truly strive for excellence.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your
fellowship thus far?
The OR experience that we get in fellowship is second to none. We see an immense variety of pathology at a high volume. The progress we make as surgeons in such a short period of time is unbelievable. Here at Wills Eye, it’s because of the 22 attendings who all operate with us. It’s amazing to think about where we started in July of our first year to where we are now as second-year fellows preparing to start our careers.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
I see myself being part of a busy, high-volume practice and seeing a lot of complex cases. I am also passionate about teaching and fostering the next generation of residents and fellows. I wouldn’t be anywhere today without all the people who have helped me along the way. Finding a career that will allow me to teach fellows and residents is part of my long-term goal. Being involved in cutting-edge clinical research is also important and something I am looking to continue in my career. Of course, a focus on pediatrics will be part of my practice, thanks to the influence of Dr. Yonekawa.
First Career Milestone
Dr. Sivalingam has chosen to start her career as a vitreoretinal surgeon at Mid Atlantic Retina in Philadelphia.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Never be afraid to put yourself out there. There is no such thing as an unwarranted question. There will always be people and mentors looking to help you, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel like you need support.
Retina can feel intimidating to get into, but don’t let that dissuade you from entering one of the most amazing surgical fields.
