Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
I was fortunate to study engineering and optics at the University of Rochester, which introduced me to ophthalmology early. Thus, I went to medical school already knowing that I wanted to pursue ophthalmology. Between my 3rd and 4th year of medical school at the University of Massachussets (UMass), I spent a year working with Connie Cepko, PhD, the Bullard Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School, and one of the most brilliant people I have met. Her lab focused on viral gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa, which was my first exposure to the field of retina. The amazing basic science research coupled with a motivating and supportive mentor showed me that retina was right for me.
RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?
Like many people in our field, I feel lucky to have had many mentors throughout various periods of life. At UMass, Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, was a great advocate—she has made monumental progress within the department at UMass. Dr. Cepko, Yash Chinchore, PhD, and David Wu, MD, PhD, were pivotal during my time in the lab.
In residency at Mass Eye and Ear, John Miller, MD, and Dean Eliott, MD, fueled my passion for retina. They are outstanding supportive faculty, and I feel privileged to have learned from them. Dr. Miller and I both love the NBA and (of course) the Boston Celtics, so we talk most nights when the Celtics are playing!
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship?
The faculty at Associated Retinal Consultants/Beaumont is like an immigrant family that, despite small differences between individuals, ultimately cares for its own community by ensuring that all members do well. At graduation in 2021, everyone, including Michael T. Trese, MD, gave speeches that applauded and roasted the graduating fellows and each other—and they certainly didn’t hold back! It felt like a family at Thanksgiving, and it was certainly an unforgettable moment for me and my co-fellows.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
My goal is to be a compassionate physician and a competent surgeon.
I come from a family of educators, and I also hope to be a motivating peer and mentor involved in educating fellows.
I want to give back the same excitement that I felt during my training.
FIRST CAREER MILESTONE
Dr. Begaj is pursuing a uveitis fellowship at Northwestern University before returning to Associated Retinal Consultants/Beaumont Hospital to practice retina and uveitis.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
The field of retina is a gem because it is so diverse, and any physician can pursue any part of science or medicine within the field. Depending on your interests, you can pursue basic science, translational research, heavy clinic, or a busy surgical focus. This field has everything from amazing neuroanatomy to complex pathophysiology to both easy and extremely difficult clinical and surgical cases. There are many different avenues to explore, and I recommend that residents delve into the field of retina and figure out which part they love best.
