Retina Today: When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
My exposure to retina was serendipitous. I applied for an endocrinology research position through the National Institutes of Health as a medical student and was assigned to a diabetic retinopathy research lab. This introduced me to the field and to people who were very excited about their work and study. As a resident at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, I saw how diverse vitreoretinal diseases were, especially in our eye emergency department. I had a wonderful experience with the retina faculty and decided it was for me!
RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?
I am lucky to have mentors who have dedicated their time and energy to help me grow in my career. Steven J. Gedde, MD; Chris R. Alabiad, MD; and Jayanth Sridhar, MD, guided me through ophthalmology residency. My chief residents, Jesse D. Sengillo, MD, and Julia L. Hudson, MD, taught me vitreoretinal surgery fundamentals and how to approach ocular trauma. In fellowship, Audina M. Berrocal, MD; Harry W. Flynn Jr, MD; and Thomas A. Albini, MD, have guided me through research and challenging cases. William E. Smiddy, MD; Justin H. Townsend, MD; Basil K. Williams Jr, MD; Nicolas A. Yannuzzi, MD; and Hong-Hyuen Hua, MD, have taught me incredible surgical management skills. Jorge Fortun, MD, and Luis J. Haddock, MD, are my dedicated surgical mentors up north who taught me about 3D heads-up surgery. I am forever grateful for all my mentors and their selfless devotion to education and patient care.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?
I will never forget being in Dr. Berrocal’s pediatric retina clinic and meeting a family with more than six children affected by Stickler syndrome. These visits showed me that some cases require unique doctor-patient relationships and that clinical decisions can deeply affect the patient’s daily life. Clinically, it was my first in-depth exposure to the complicated counseling involved in retinal detachment prophylaxis. One of these siblings, now a teen, had a prophylactic procedure at 2 years of age and is still seeing well.
FIRST CAREER MILESTONE
In the fall of 2025, Dr. Kiryakoza will begin her position as Chief Resident and Co-Director of Ocular Trauma at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
I would like to practice in Southeast Michigan (where I grew up) and develop long-term patient relationships. I loved being an English-as-a-second-language tutor in my hometown, and I would like to mesh that work with my interest in community health by participating in eye care screenings in vulnerable communities. Another important goal is to work directly with trainees. I think these two interests can complement each other.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Retina specialists are uniquely positioned to care for diverse patients with diverse pathologies. It is a specialty that delivers good and bad news daily, and that has enriched my experience as a physician. It is an exciting field with very interesting surgical options.
