WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I grew up in the suburbs of Denver and went to Yale for undergraduate. At Emory University, I received a dual Doctor of Medicine and Master’s in Public Health. Although I shadowed my uncle (a retired cataract surgeon) in the OR in high school, ophthalmology wasn’t on my radar. I was more interested in chronic diseases, and I dreamed of working at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. While studying at Emory, I had the opportunity to explore that side of health, considering the CDC is next to the medical school. However, after my first rotation in ophthalmology at Emory, I knew it was the field for me. I loved the individual clinical interaction and the opportunity to understand and expand public health within ophthalmology.
MY PATH TO RETINA
My first introduction to retina was at Emory, where I worked with a wonderful mentor, Timothy W. Olsen, MD, on a project evaluating the cost-effectiveness of retinopathy of prematurity treatment in different countries. I realized that, as a retina specialist, I would have the opportunity to interact with systemic diseases medically and surgically.
SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY
My desire to become a retina specialist grew when I was a resident at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. From a research perspective, Jason Hsu, MD; Yoshi Yonekawa, MD; and Sunir J. Garg, MD, taught me that retina is an ever-evolving field, and they helped me develop my investigative skills. All the attendings at Mid Atlantic Retina were supportive in my clinical and surgical development and my career. By the end of my fellowship, I could call on any of them as life-long mentors and colleagues. Post-training, I am grateful for the mentorship of David Reed, MD, and Chirag Shah, MD, MPH, who have helped me get on my feet as an attending. I am also grateful for the support of my partners at New England Retina—Andrew Lam, MD; Shilpa Gulati, MD; David R. Lally, MD; and Hari Mylvaganam, MD—for continuing to teach me clinically and help me develop my business acumen.
Dr. Soares’ advice: Stay focused on what is going to be the most fulfilling option, holistically. After training, it is finally time to define your own priorities and needs, whether that is academic achievement, research development, building a practice, or focusing on family.
AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
I saw a patient who developed bilateral retinal detachments the same week his wife received a cancer diagnosis. It was a tumultuous time for his family, and my role was not only to be surgeon, but also to offer emotional encouragement. In the end, my patient maintained his vision and continued to drive his wife to her appointments. It was one of my first cases as an attending where I continuously followed a patient in need, and I’m glad I was able to support him through the experience. I am grateful to have a job where I can serve people at a critical moment in life and help them reach the other side.
