Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
Before residency, I did research in ocular genomics with Eric Pierce, MD, PhD, in Boston—that showed me the fascinating world of retinal biology. During my first retina rotation in residency at Dean McGee Eye Institute, I was in awe that findings that were a matter of microns in size could have such specific implications for a patient’s ocular and systemic health. Finally, the cool gadgets and exceptional skills of retina surgeons like my attending Vinay Shah, MD, won me over. By the time I was a second-year resident, I knew this was what I loved to do.
RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?
Drs. Pierce and Shah are incredible ophthalmologists and role models. My program director, Michael Siatkowski, MD, was a paragon of ethical patient care and pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves. During my fellowship at the University of Iowa, I was fortunate to work with amazing mentors and role models. Elaine Binkley, MD, and H. Culver Boldt, MD, sacrifice so much for trainee education, and they go above and beyond for their patients; it is incredible to see them at work. Ian Han, MD, teaches surgery in a way that I wouldn’t have ever imagined before experiencing it for myself. He also spends his Saturdays teaching fellows and guiding us through our careers. We are indebted to him. Edwin Stone, MD, PhD, is a brilliant clinician-scientist whom I have been fortunate to learn from. I could name many mentors to whom I am immensely grateful.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?
Several instances of grateful patients come to mind right away. While on call, we diagnosed a patient with a systemic infection based on her retinal presentation, and her thank-you card was particularly kind and thoughtful. Interactions with many incredibly kind and grateful retinal detachment patients have also been memorable. I feel so blessed to do what we do.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
First and foremost, I hope to continue to grow and become the best practitioner and surgeon I can be and never become complacent. I also hope to get involved in meaningful research and play a part in improving our capabilities in treating patients.
FIRST CAREER MILESTONE
Dr. Jamshidi will join the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Don’t forget the importance of each patient encounter. We have this amazing capability to see inside a human organ, identify pathology at a cellular level, and confidently make diagnoses that may be peculiar to other specialties. Retina can be challenging, and it is not for the faint of heart. Remember the positive impacts we make every day, and you will be reminded that our profession is a wonderful gift.
