Retina Today (RT): When did you first know that you wanted to become a retina specialist?
As an MD/PhD student at Washington University in St. Louis, I had the privilege of working in the lab of vitreoretinal surgeon-scientist Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, for my thesis research. In his lab, I investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to blindness in retinal diseases. After seeing the (beautiful) retina in the clinic and witnessing the technical intricacies of vitreoretinal surgery for the first time, I knew that I wanted to become a retina specialist.
RT: Who do you look up to as mentors in the field?
I am incredibly fortunate to have trained under a team of world-class mentors at Stanford. My fellowship director, Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, MD, MHS, has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth, constantly pushing me to evolve as a clinician, surgeon, and human. I owe a debt of gratitude to the entire Stanford retina family for their relentless support: Darius Moshfeghi, MD; Loh-Shan Leung, MD; Steven Sanislo, MD; Stephen Smith, MD; Theodore Leng, MD, MS; Diana Do, MD; Quan Dong Nguyen, MD, MSc; Carolyn Pan, MD; Ramsudha Narala, MD; Atma Vemulakonda, MD; Ehsan Rahimy, MD; Chase Ludwig, MD; Charles DeBoer, MD, PhD; Ahmad Al-Moujahed, MD, PhD, MPH; Karen Wai, MD; Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, MD; and Natalia Callaway, MD.
Additionally, I am grateful to Vinit Mahajan, MD, PhD, for welcoming me into his research lab during fellowship, and to my mentors during residency at Harvard/Mass Eye and Ear—Demetrios Vavvas, MD, PhD; Dean Eliott, MD; John Miller, MD; and Nimesh Patel, MD—who expertly guided me through my first intravitreal injections and vitrectomies and laid the groundwork for fellowship training.
RT: Can you tell us about a memorable experience from your fellowship?
My most memorable experience was repairing a retinal detachment that occurred after a traumatic open globe injury. Having performed the initial injury repair, I found it deeply rewarding to provide this continuity of care. Both cases were technically challenging, but what was truly memorable was seeing the patient through the entire journey from trauma to recovery.
RT: What advice can you offer to residents who are considering retina?
Although I am biased, I believe retina is the best field in ophthalmology, and maybe even in all of medicine. We save vision in vitreoretinal emergencies and can identify systemic diseases through a clinical examination of the retina. Embrace the steep learning curve. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at the start, but if you treat every clinic and OR day as an opportunity to grow, your dedication will be recognized.
