Retina Today (RT): When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
During medical school, I came to the United States for an observership and worked with several faculty members at the Wilmer Eye Institute, including the retina team. I found retinal pathology to be more fascinating than anything else I had seen. I also realized that retina research was at the forefront of ophthalmic innovation. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping my interest in retina, and my subsequent residency training further reinforced this decision.
RT: Who do you look up to as mentors?
Mentorship has played an invaluable role in my career. I am fortunate to have had mentors who continually supported and guided my professional development. Fasika Woreta, MD, MPH, my residency program director, hired me as her first research assistant, which set off the chain of events that shaped my career. She, along with Michael Sulewski, MD, have been incredible surgical mentors, even today. James Handa, MD, imparted valuable wisdom and instilled in me the importance of always asking “why?”. During fellowship, my circle of mentors has expanded even more. As program directors, Arunan Sivalingam, MD, and Richard Kaiser, MD, have been incredibly supportive and have consistently led by example. From Yoshihiro Yonekawa, MD, I learned the importance of precision and efficiency in the OR, while Jordan Deaner, MD, has emphasized the value of trusting—but always verifying—information, recognizing that the truth often lies between differing perspectives. David Xu, MD, has taught me all there is to know about scleral buckling, and Omesh Gupta, MD, is my secondary IOL guru. Samir Patel, MD; Meera Sivalingam, MD; and Joshua Uhr, MD, have shared valuable best practices and pitfalls to avoid, informed by their own experiences.
You cannot help but feel inspired when training at Wills Eye Hospital with strong role models such as Julia A. Haller, MD, and Carol L. Shields, MD.
RT: What has been one of the most memorable experiences of your fellowship thus far?
It’s truly been the people. I love my co-fellows and could not have asked for a better group to work alongside. The support staff are exceptional, and I genuinely enjoy working with the faculty, who consistently champion the fellows. During my fellowship, every day has been an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Retina is an incredible and deeply fulfilling field. Having strong mentors early on is essential to help guide you in the right direction. Most importantly, pursue what you love and what brings you joy each day.
