Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
During my third year of medical school, I had a 1-month retina rotation at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine with Thomas R. Friberg, MD; Joseph N. Martel, MD; and Alexander J. Anetakis, MD. They taught me how to turn on a slit lamp and visualize the fundus, let me assist during cutting-edge surgeries, and showed me the endless opportunities for research in retina. After that, I was hooked and knew I wanted to be a retina specialist. My experiences in residency only strengthened this desire.
RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?
I have had many great mentors throughout my training at the University of Pittsburgh as a medical student, the Kellogg Eye Center as a resident, and Wills Eye Hospital as a fellow. Mark W. Johnson, MD, and David N. Zacks, MD, PhD, cultivated my interest in retina during residency by always including me in research projects and teaching me the fundamentals of medical and surgical retina. At Wills Eye Hospital, my list of mentors has only grown, among them being Arunan Sivalingam, MD; Carl D. Regillo, MD; Allen C. Ho, MD; and Omesh P. Gupta, MD. They have pushed me outside of my comfort zone while supporting me in achieving my goals.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?
The surgical experience we have as second-year fellows is unrivaled. We operate 5 days a week for a year, and we see a tremendous breadth of pathology that pushes the limits of vitreoretinal surgery. Operating with 21 attendings who are among the best surgeons in the world and bring their unique spin to each step has been the most intense and rewarding experience of my career. I cannot thank them enough for their patience, dedication to teaching, and nerves of steel.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
My goal is to have a high-volume medical and surgical retina practice where I can provide patients with outstanding care and restore their sight. Part of that is working to bring new and better treatments for blinding diseases through research, which I hope to continue as an attending. Finally, I would not be where I am today without my mentors, and I hope to be involved in training residents and fellows who will carry the field forward.
FIRST CAREER MILESTONE
Dr. Durrani is joining the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as an assistant professor of Ophthalmology.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
If you are interested in retina, do it, because it’s the best field in ophthalmology! Retina has something for everyone, including interesting medical cases, challenging surgery, and opportunities to conduct research. In addition to leaning on your mentors for guidance, share your interest with your retina fellows; as a medical student and resident, I learned so much from my fellows.
