Rising Stars in Retina: Inês Laíns, MD, PhD

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

I am from Portugal and started an ophthalmology residency there. Retina was my first rotation, and after seeing the retina and understanding the significant effect that vitreoretinal surgeons can have on patients’ quality of life, I knew I wanted to become a retina specialist. My passion for our field has continued to grow exponentially, and it is what motivated me to become involved in clinical research and move to the United States.

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

I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding mentors. All the retina faculty at Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) have positively affected my life, but some people have played a special role. Joan W. Miller, MD, and Deeba Husain, MD, have supported me since I moved to the United States. Dean Eliott, MD, has been an incredible mentor who constantly pushes me to be better. Lucia Sobrin, MD, MPH, is one of the brightest clinicians I know, and I look to her as an example of exceptional work/life balance. John B. Miller, MD, has provided outstanding support throughout my training. Finally, Mark W. Johnson, MD, has become a close mentor who sets the example of how to care for patients.

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

Being on call. MEE has a very busy emergency department, and we see many interesting patients who make me appreciate the beauty and complexity of vitreoretinal surgery. I love the diagnostic challenges that we face, but also the fact that we can see many cases in a short period. Especially when I was a first-year fellow, it’s amazing to reflect on how much I grew after a few days on call.

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

I am staying at MEE and hope to establish a career as a clinician-scientist by combining my passions for patient care, research, and teaching. My current research interest is in the metabolomics and genetics of AMD. I also hope to share my knowledge and experience with trainees and encourage them to see the effect that clinician-scientists can have, much like my mentors have done for me.

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

Retina is an amazing and very rewarding field, but it requires a strong commitment because it is challenging. You should be passionate about any field you choose, but that is particularly true for retina. I would invest in building a strong clinical foundation by caring for as many patients as possible and learning from each one. Seek research opportunities and collaborations, and identify mentors early! Finally, be humble and willing to learn every day.