Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
I was introduced to retina during my residency at the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. I was amazed by the complex pathology I saw in clinic and the unique surgical decision making that retina requires.
RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?
I am extremely grateful to my mentors for their guidance and support throughout my training. Our fellowship program director, Sunil K. Srivastava, MD, is an outstanding clinician and all-around phenomenal person who dedicates himself to ensuring each of his trainees is fulfilled both personally and professionally.
I cannot express enough thanks for the incredible training and advice I’ve received from Sumit Sharma, MD; Katherine E. Talcott, MD; Alex Yuan, MD, PhD; Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD; Peter K. Kaiser, MD; and each of the retina faculty at the Cole Eye Institute, including our exceptional chairman Daniel F. Martin, MD. I could write pages on the many other mentors I’ve been lucky to learn from.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?
I remember vividly my first opportunity, as a first-year fellow, to teach a resident during a scleral buckle procedure while on call with Dr. Talcott. I found so much joy in introducing fundamental concepts to the resident and watching their hesitation turn to caution and then excitement. The experience solidified my career choice in academic ophthalmology.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
I look forward to starting my career as a vitreoretinal surgeon at the University of Kentucky in 2024. I hope to encourage enthusiasm for retina in my own residents and fellows. It’s my goal to give them the confidence and skillset necessary to tackle difficult pathology and the humility to recognize when to seek advice. I look forward to staying involved at the society level and hope to advance the field through involvement in clinical trials.
FIRST CAREER MILESTONE
Dr. Clevenger will be joining the University of Kentucky as an assistant professor of Ophthalmology.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Approach every patient with an open mind, as even the most seemingly routine case has something to teach you. Say “yes” to new projects, and follow through with them. Value your relationships with peers and mentors, and trust your inner circle when the path forward seems unclear.
