Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:
Emory, BS, English (Art History minor)
Medical Degree:
Emory University School of Medicine 2006
Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school?
Emory Ophthalmology residency (PGY1-4); Emory Glaucoma Fellowship PGY 5
In practice since:
2011
Specialty:
Ophthalmology, subspecialty Glaucoma
How did you choose your Specialty?
I loved every specialty. Ophthalmology seemed to be the surgical specialty that incorporated internal medicine, pediatrics, trauma care, etc. Also it seemed that my motor skills were well suited. I liked the microsurgery aspect of ophthalmology.
What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?
I like MOST the variety of skill sets (clinic, lasers, in office procedures, OR) required and having an impact on a person’s entire life by restoring or preserving their sight. It’s incredibly impactful. People fear blindness as much as they fear death. The thing I like LEAST, especially because I practice glaucoma with long term patient care, is that people can sometimes go blind despite your very best efforts and after incredibly delicate and complex surgery with no complications.
In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?
You need to be borderline obsessive compulsive to notice very tiny things on exam that can have big impact. You need to be able to deliver bad news to patients, and then stick by them as they deal with loss of sight (and often depression and total functionality). You need to be able to communicate clearly about pre op expectations and counsel patients (even those with poor health literacy) about complex topics. You need to enjoy a balance of humdrum routine exams peppered with crazy acute emergencies.
Hobbies/Interests:
My husband and I have a 15 year old sophomore in high school and a 10 month old baby (our main hobbies!). We love our dog, who is a very high energy breed called a Vizsla. We hike and enjoy travelling. My personal interests include nutrition and wellness, as well as (very novice) interior design.