WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and my family moved to Queens, New York, when I was young. I was always drawn to biomedical science, so a career in medicine was a natural fit. If I had not pursued medicine, I would probably be in a creative field involving music or theater (I am known in the retina community as DJ Schisis).
After completing my undergraduate degree at New York University, I attended medical school at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). I returned to New York University for residency and completed my vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. After practicing in Chicago for 2 years, I returned to New York City to serve my hometown community.
MY PATH TO RETINA
I always knew I wanted to be a surgeon, but it was not always ophthalmology. I chose an ophthalmology elective on a whim and knew immediately that this was the field for me. I met K. Thiran Jayasundera, MD, MS, who inspired me to become a retina specialist. I worked with Dr. Jayasundera for a year of research at the Kellogg Eye Center focusing on retinal dystrophies. Thus, it was always retina from the start, and I am lucky to have found a field I love.
SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY
I am eternally grateful for the guidance of my fellowship mentors. In particular, Yannek I. Leiderman, MD, PhD, and R.V. Paul Chan, MD, MSc, MBA, shaped the way I approach preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative execution. I learned to be prepared for curveballs that can arise in both routine and complex surgeries. I still consult my mentors for advice and guidance in tough cases.
I continue to learn from my colleagues around the country during conferences and collaborative forums, such as the Young Retina Forum. These educational opportunities inspired me to start a retina surgery podcast (RetFix and Chill) with Nitish Mehta, MD, and Michael T. Andreoli, MD, where the goal is to learn from each of our unique surgical experiences.
Dr. Zahid’s advice: The first year of practice is challenging, but remember that you have a community of retina friends for support. And do not be intimidated by solo practice. If and when you are ready, that same community of colleagues and friends is ready to support you.
AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
Starting Empire State Retina has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences. The community of solo physicians across the country has been an incredible source of education and support. This experience has allowed me to better understand every aspect of medical care, from insurance eligibility and prior authorization to medication inventory management and reimbursement.
It has also motivated me to be more involved in advocacy at the state and federal level. Reforms to prior authorization and step therapy are critical in providing timely care. It is our job to educate our legislators about these issues on behalf of our patients so that they can access safe and timely care.
