Retina Today (RT): When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
My path to retina was shaped by a combination of research, clinical exposure, and mentorship over time. As a medical student, I had the opportunity to work with inspirational mentors such as Lejla Vajzovic, MD; Cynthia A. Toth, MD; and Xi Chen, MD, PhD. Participating in retina conferences further exposed me to the innovative world of retina. During residency, my experience in clinic and the OR confirmed my interest, as I enjoyed the complexity, variety, and problem-solving aspects of surgical retina. As I met more retina specialists, I realized that I had found a tribe of people I aspired to be part of: smart, hardworking, creative, and down-to-earth people who go out of their way to do what’s best for their patients.
RT: Who do you look to as mentors in the field?
Many outstanding mentors have shaped my journey. Dr. Vajzovic has been one of the most influential. She leads by example—an outstanding clinician, efficient and compassionate surgeon, and irreplaceable advocate for colleagues and trainees. Dr. Toth was my first ophthalmology mentor and introduced me to ophthalmology research during medical school. She inspires me to think critically and creatively to perform rigorous, high-quality research that will advance the field. Dr. Chen inspires me to be the most compassionate physician and human I can be. Glenn J. Jaffe, MD; Sharon Fekrat, MD; Durga S. Borkar, MD, MMCi; and Dilraj S. Grewal, MD, have also been fantastic mentors, teaching efficiency, independence, and reasoning in the clinic and OR.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?
I remember teaching a resident how to perform their first membrane peel, under the encouragement of my attending. Stepping into the role of a teacher was exciting and nerve-wracking—while refining my own skills, I was also responsible for guiding another surgeon.
The procedure went smoothly, and in the process, I gained a deeper appreciation for how much I had learned. It was a pivotal moment that reinforced my own growth as a surgeon and the importance of mentorship in surgical training.
RT: What are you hoping to accomplish once you are in practice?
My goal is to provide exceptional care while fostering strong, meaningful doctor-patient relationships. Beyond clinical practice, I hope to be involved in clinical and translational research. I am particularly interested in innovations that improve patient outcomes and expand our understanding of retinal diseases.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Take advantage of every opportunity to gain exposure to both the medical and surgical aspects of retina during residency. The field is vast and dynamic, so early hands-on experience can help you determine where your interests lie.
Research is also a significant component of retina, and getting involved early can be invaluable. Seek out mentors who can guide you through projects and help you navigate the field. Attend retina conferences to stay informed about the latest advances, connect with leaders in the field, and build a strong professional network.
Most importantly, stay curious, work hard, and be a good doctor. Retina is a challenging yet rewarding specialty!
