Honestly Bilal

In this episode, Dr. Ian Han joins me to discuss his tips for residents transitioning from early beginners to senior leaders in their program. Dr. Han is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Director of Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery at the University of Iowa. We also discuss his expertise in retinal imaging, keys to interpretation, and the mentors who guided him to where he is today.

You got your loupes, your lenses, your super “cool” callbag but don’t worry your’re not alone! Listen in as four second-year ophthalmology residents share their tips to help you survive the craziness of ophthalmology call.

Episode Description: Dr. Jay Sridhar returns to the podcast for a special episode where we focus in on mentoring. We talk broadly about mentorship, addressing our own blind spots, and our personal development in the process of helping those around us. Be sure to check out more of Dr. Sridhar on Straight from the Cutter’s Mouth: A Retina Podcast and on twitter @RetinaPodcast

Dr. Daniel Moore returns to the podcast in today’s episode. Dr. Daniel Moore serves as the ophthalmology residency program director at the University of Kentucky where he is an associate professor and glaucoma specialist. We discuss global ophthalmology, the collegiality and kind culture fostered by the residents and faculty at UK, and takeaways from their DEI recruitment efforts. To hear more about Dr. Moore and the University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology Residency Program check out

Dr. Nayasha Madhan is today’s guest! She is finishing her final year of ophthalmology residency at Ohio State University with plans to pursue glaucoma fellowship. She talks about her path to ophthalmology, her reasons for choosing glaucoma, life in Columbus, and her love for Jeni’s ice cream. To see more of her story, check her out on Twitter @DrBuckEYE19

Dr. Andrew Williams is today’s guest! He is currently a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh and practices as a glaucoma specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologist. We talk about his story in ophthalmology, the mentors and experiences he has had along the way, and life in Pittsburgh. He was also awarded a grant to use for his research with the AAO’s IRIS Registry and has studied a variety of topics with important clinical implications such as loss to follow up in glaucoma patients. To see more of his story, check him out on Twitter @Andrew920

In this episode, Chris Cho chats with recently matched applicants in the 2022 ophthalmology residency cycle. With another year of virtual interviews and uncertainty regarding the match process, we discuss what made us successful in matching into ophthalmology residency. Please reach out if you have any other questions!

Panel:

Gabriella Schmuter (Twitter: @GSchmuter)
Med School: City University of New York School of Medicine
Residency: Weill Cornell

Joana Andoh (Twitter: @jandohknows)
Med School: Yale University
Residency: Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins

Chris Cho (Twitter: @chrischo_md)
Med School: University of Missouri-Columbia
Incoming resident at Vanderbilt Eye Institute

In this episode, Arhem chats with Dr. Geeta Lalwani, who is is the founder of Rocky Mountain Retina Associates, where she specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of retinal diseases. Prior to Rocky Mountain Retina, Dr. Lalwani was with the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. She completed her fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve, and received her M.D. from Drexel University. Dr. Lalwani is the contributing author of Chapter 7 of Women in Ophthalmology (https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030593346) and discusses building a clinical practice and reputation with Arhem, as well as the importance of mentorship.

Today’s guest is Dr. Shanika Esparaz! Dr. Esparaz is a private practice ophthalmologist in the Cleveland area. She practices a unique mix of comprehensive ophthalmology and medical retina. Dr. Esparaz completed medical school at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine and completed her training in ophthalmology and vitreoretinal disease at Boston University.

In this episode we discuss Dr. Esparaz’s path to ophthalmology, the failures and struggles she’s faced along the way, and her tips for students and residents on their career paths. We also talk social media and the the many opportunities it has afforded Dr. Esparaz since completing her training.

To see more of Dr. Esparaz’s story check her out on Instagram @shani_esparazmd and Twitter @shaniesparazmd

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Tamara Fountain. Dr. Fountain is professor of ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center and maintains a private practice in oculofacial plastic surgery in Chicago’s northern suburbs. She grew up in Minneapolis where her dad was a commercial airline pilot and her mom a marketing executive. Dr. Fountain received her B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University and her M.D. from Harvard Medical School. After an internship in internal medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital, she completed her residency in ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Fountain pursued specialty training in plastic and reconstructive surgery around the eye at University of Southern California’s Doheny Eye Institute before settling in the Chicago area to start her practice.

Dr. Fountain is the 2021 president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) — at 32,000 members, the oldest and largest society of American and International Ophthalmologists in the world. Click here to watch her AAO president’s acceptance speech. Her past service to AAO includes Secretary for Member Services, at-large member of the Board of Trustees and editorial board of its EyeNet magazine. She has served on the Young Ophthalmologist; Ethics; and Health Policy Committees and was part of the inaugural class of the AAO’s flagship Leadership Development Program. Dr. Fountain was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for service to the Academy.

Dr. Fountain is Past-President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), having served as executive secretary and chair of both the thesis and oral exam committees in the past. She has also received the Orkan Stasior Leadership Award for service to the society.

Dr. Fountain served for 15 years as a committee member and director for the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC) and was Chair of the Board of Directors 2014 and 2015. She is a past president of the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (formerly Illinois Association of Ophthalmology) and has been involved in programming for both Women in Ophthalmology and the Chicago Ophthalmological Society. She served as chair of the Alumni Fund for Harvard Medical School 2016-2019.

Chris Cho chats with 2022 residency applicant and fellow MS4, Asanté Quintana. They discuss Asanté’s passion for policy and advocacy which developed during his time in undergrad at Cornell. They also discuss Asanté’scontributions to ophthalmology through scholarly activity with the Vanderbilt Eye Institute regarding inequities in cataract surgery. Asanté recently founded Meharry Medical College’s Ophthalmology Interest Group which is also touched on. Finally, the two chat about how music production keeps evolving Asanté’s worldview.

In this episode, Arhem chats with Dr. Bonnie An Henderson. Dr. Henderson is the contributing author of Chapter 4 of Women in Ophthamology (https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030593346). Dr. Henderson is a past President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and curently is a Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Previously, she was the Director of the Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Henderson is the Associate Editor for the Journal of Refractive Surgery. She has authored over 125 articles, papers, book chapters, and abstracts and has delivered over 275 invited lectures worldwide. She has published 5 textbooks in cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Henderson has received an Achievement Award, the Secretariat Award, and the Senior Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Best of” awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery for her research and films, and the “Teacher of the Year” award from Harvard Medical School. She was awarded the Visionary Award by the American- European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery and received the Suzanne Veronneau-Troutman Award from Women in Ophthalmology. Dr. Henderson completed her ophthalmology residency at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. She graduated from Dartmouth College and from Dartmouth Medical School with high honors.

In this episode, Chris Cho (MS4) chats with Dr. Mark Greiner from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Greiner is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. He is the medical director of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, the fellowship director of the cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery fellowship, and the Robert and Joell Brightfelt Professor of cornea research

They discuss:
-Dr. Greiner's road to ophthalmology and cornea.
-Moving from California to Iowa.
-The mission of the Lion's Eye Bank.
-Dr. Greiner's current and ongoing research developments .
-Residency applicants: How to stand out.
-The musical mind of Dr. Greiner and his jam out sessions.

In this episode of our Equity in Ophthalmology series, host Arhem Barkatullah sits down to chat with Dr. Bryn Burkholder from the Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Burkholder is the author of chapter 1 of the book, Women in Ophthalmology. (link: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030593346)

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Steve Houston of the Florida Retina Institute about his path from engineering to ophthalmology and eventually vitreoretinal surgery. We discuss:

-Telemedicine advances in the era of COVID-19 in relation to ophthalmology.

-The future of telementoring through remote surgical viewing.

-Entrepreneurship and innovation as a niche for budding ophthalmologists and Dr. Houston’s startup, HealTheia.

In this episode, I chat with Benjamin Young, MD, MS. As a current vitreoretinal surgery fellow at the University of Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center, Dr. Young and I discuss:

-His journey in ophthalmology and advice from his training days as a resident at Yale.
-The origin of the Eyes For Ears podcast.
-Advice for those going through the virtual match.
-Tips for podcasting.

You can follow Dr. Young on Twitter @BenjaminKYoung. You can also follow the Eyes For Ears podcast on Twitter and Instagram @Eyes4Ears for all the latest episode releases!

In this episode, Chris Cho sits down and interviews future colleague and rising MS4 Brandon McKenzie. Brandon is a medical student applying for residency in ophthalmology this fall and attends school at Howard University.

Check out his chat with Chris as they discuss:

(1) How Brandon got interested in ophthalmology and his experience being a scribe
(2) Putting together a webinar for aspiring ophthalmologists with Dr. Rob Melendez, Dr. Ninita Brown, and Dr. Katrina Loy
(3) Brandon's interests in ophthalmology including potential subspecialties (4) How he keeps sane in medical school by exercising and playing chess

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Grayson Armstrong. Dr. Armstrong is a clinical fellow in ophthalmic telemedicine at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. During the 2019–2020 academic year, Dr. Armstrong served as the chief resident in ophthalmology and the director of the ocular trauma service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Armstrong was elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in June 2019. He also active within the Massachusetts Medical Society, serving on its Resident and Fellow Section governing council, and within the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the state’s ophthalmology specialty society, where he is a member of its board of directors.

Dr. Armstrong is active in health policy across multiple fronts surrounding access to care. He has served as a fellow at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, worked with the Massachusetts Governor’s Office to secure access to the state’s prescription drug monitoring program for resident physicians, and worked with international non-profit organizations and the Jordanian government to improve the country’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

Dr. Armstrong attended college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 2009 with a major in music and a minor in chemistry. He attended medical school at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, graduating in 2015 with invited membership to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, before attending Harvard University, where he received his Master of Public Health with a focus on health care policy and management.

Since medical school, Dr. Armstrong has fostered a strong interest in health care technology innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to serving as an advisor for various health technology startups, he is a founder of Ocular Technologies, a company creating tele-ophthalmic diagnostic hardware and software tools. With Ocular Technologies, he has been instrumental in the design and implementation of novel telemedicine and artificial intelligence technologies in the field of ophthalmology.

We discuss:
-Dr. Armstrong's path to ophthalmology and what aspiring ophthalmologists can take away from his journey.
-His experience as Chief Resident at MEEI and what makes a good resident
-Telemedicine and the state of current applications in ophthalmology
-Getting involved with health policy and advocacy as a trainee
-Dr. Armstrong's love for music!

You can follow Dr. Armstrong on Twitter and Instagram @GraysonWilkes.

In this episode, I chat with Ned Lu. Ned is a medical student at Harvard Medical School. He is finishing up a research year in the Harvard Retinal Imaging Lab before applying to residency this upcoming fall in ophthalmology. We discuss:

-Ned's interest in ophthalmology
-How his experience taking a research year has been
-Diversity and other initiatives in the Harvard Retinal Imaging Lab
-Tennis and the future of the men's tour!

In this episode, I chat with Gabriella Schmuter. Gabby is a current MS3 and incoming residency applicant in ophthalmology. We discuss her interest in the field, her recent publication about the role of social media in the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology, her public speaking background/tips for others, and her food review Instagram page! You can follow Gabby on Instagram at @gabbyschmuter and her food review page @gabbyschoiceny.

In this episode, I chat with medicine's favorite comedian and ophthalmologist, Dr. Glaucomflecken.

We discuss....
-Discovering ophthalmology and why it is the best specialty.
-The creative process of making TikToks.
-Content creation: overcoming negative criticism.
-The importance of humor and self-expression within medicine.
-Overcoming health issues to advocate for young adults with cancer through First Descents.
-Training as a former ophthalmology resident at the University of Iowa: Why finding a program that feels like a family matters.

You can follow Dr. Glaucomflecken on Twitter @DGlaucomflecken and on TikTok @DrGlaucomflecken.

For more information on how you can give back to First Descents visit here: https://firstdescents.org/​

In this episode, I chat with former guests and recently matched applicants in the 2021 ophthalmology residency cycle. Listen in on what we learned, what worked well, advice for incoming applicants, and other takeaways from the virtual interview cycle.

Panel
Bilal Ahmed (Twittee: bilal_1712)
-MS4 University of Toledo
-Incoming resident at the University of Iowa

Sanah Aslam (Twitter-@Sanah_Aslam)
-MS4 Medical College of Georgia
-Incoming resident at the Kresge Eye Institute.

Victoria Ly (Twitter-@Victoriavly)
-MS4 University of Arkansas
-Incoming resident at UT Southwestern.

Ankur Parikh (Twitter-@AnkurAParikh)
-MS4 Northeast Ohio Medical University
-Incoming resident at University of Cincinnati

In this episode, I chat with Ian Seddon from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Ian is a third-year medical student at NOVA Southeastern University and plans to pursue a career in ophthalmology.

We discuss Ian's interest in ophthalmology, what he expects from clerkships this year, and how his college days of being a rower draw parallel to what he sees is crucial in being a team player in ophthalmology.

You can follow Ian on Twitter @IanSeddon407.

In this episode, I am joined by Nicolas Yannuzzi, MD. Dr. Yannuzzi is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and a vitreoretinal surgeon at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL.

We discuss Dr. Yannuzzi's early background and non traditional path in oncology, finance, and ultimately how he came to ophthalmology with an interest in retina. Dr. Yannuzzi details his experience training at Bascom Palmer as one of the Chief Residents and how this experience shaped him for his fellowship there as well. We discuss his approach to staffing fellows, the differences in learning styles applicants to residency in ophthalmology should consider, what he looks for in residency applicants, and what he has learned in his recent experience in the job hunt.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Kalla Gervasio, who resides as one of the Chief Residents at Wills Eye Hospital.

Dr. Gervasio shares her journey into ophthalmology and what led her to pursue two fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery upon completion of her residency training this year. Dr. Gervasio describes these two subspecialties and what makes them unique for any medical student interested in ophthalmology who may not have heard of them. We discuss how she is the co-founder of the Journal of Narrative Vision, her previous background studying the classical humanities, and how all this experience ties into navigating daily with her role as Chief Resident. Finally, we discuss some tennis so stick around for that if you are a fan of the game!

You can follow Dr. Gervasio on Twitter @Kalla_Gervasio and Instagram @dr.kallagervasio. Be sure also to follow Wills Eye Hospital on Twitter @Wills_Eye and the residents on Instagram @willseyeresidents.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. John Miller. Dr. Miller is the Director of the Retinal Imaging and the Associate Director of the Vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary. He is also an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School.

We discuss Dr. Miller's work in the retinal imaging lab and the focus on bringing together the brightest minds at all training levels from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Miller leads his field in 3D telementoring in vitreoretinal surgery, broadcasting opportunities for trainees at institutions worldwide to watch live-streamed vitreoretinal surgeries.

You can follow Dr. Miller on Twitter @JohnBMillerMD. You can also follow the Harvard Retinal Imaging Lab on Instagram @harvardretinalimaginglab.

In this episode, I chat with Yoshihiro Yonekawa, MD. Dr. Yonekawa is a pediatric and adult retinal surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital and Mid Atlantic Retina and resides as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.

We discuss his early fascination with microsurgery and how the mentorship of Dr. Paul Chan, a former guest of the show and current Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, was instrumental in introducing him to pediatric retina.

Dr. Yonekawa shares what makes the field of pediatric retina so unique within the specialty of vitreoretinal surgery and how worldwide the call to action is being taken by many retina specialists to address the burden of retinopathy of prematurity.

With a passion for clinical research, Dr. Yonekawa and I discuss how he sees the philosophy of collaboration in research as key to driving the field forward in exciting directions. His successful career expands outside clinical care and research initiatives. Dr. Yonekawa is on the Executive Committee for the Vit Buckle Society (VBS) and is also the Vice President for Academic Programing amongst his many other societal memberships and editorial positions for high-impact journals in ophthalmology. He shares the importance of being a part of the community of fellow retina specialists and the spirit of camaraderie at the heart of VBS. With a career that has been decorated in awards from his early days of training at Harvard medical school’s Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary and his vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the Associated Retinal Consultants/William Beaumont Hospital, Dr. Yonekawa reflects on this recent honor he had of being inducted into the Retina Society.


Finally, we touch on the advice Dr. Yonekawa has for prospective ophthalmology applicants and what he views as crucial pieces to a successful match. Dr. Yonekawa believes the drive, sense of mission, and passion for bettering the lives of patients and colleagues is the foundation of a career rooted in purpose. You can follow him on Twitter @YoshiYonekawaMD.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Rishi Singh. Dr. Singh is a Staff Surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic's Cole Eye Institute, the Medical Director of Informatics at the Cleveland Clinic, and an Associate Professor at the Lerner College of Medicine.

We start by discussing Dr. Singh's journey into ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Singh shares insights into what big data means in the healthcare landscape and what the Cleveland Clinic is doing to lead the charge in innovation and analysis for improving care. As a leading member of the Retina World Congress, Dr. Singh gives us his take on the benefits of virtual meetings and the evolution of international collaboration in a post-pandemic world. We touch on what mentorship and lifelong learning have meant to Dr. Singh and how his philosophy and approach to both have continued to keep him curious.

You can follow Dr. Singh on Instagram and Twitter at @drrishisingh. You can also follow the Cole Eye Institute's Residency Program on Twitter @cole_residency.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Nimesh Patel. Dr. Patel is a vitreoretinal surgeon in adult and pediatric retina at Mass. Eye and Ear and Boston Children's Hospital. He is also a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School

We discuss Dr. Patel's path to ophthalmology and his experiences completing his residency and fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Dr. Patel was instrumental in developing Bascom Palmer's Instagram page and explains why social media is an excellent educational platform. He also shares key insights into the residency interview process from the selection committee's perspective and general advice for applicants. Finally, we discuss Dr. Patel's take on post-training considerations and his recent job search experience.

You can follow Dr. Patel on Instagram and Twitter @Nemo_Patel_MD.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, MD.

As the Director of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Alfonso shares his origin story in ophthalmology. We discuss his appproach to servant leadership, the importance of social media, and how Bascom Palmer continues to push the envelope in ophthalmic care and explore new horizons.

You can follow Dr. Alfonso on Twitter at @ealfonsobpei and you can follow the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute on Twitter and Instagram at @bascompalmereye.

In this episode, I chat with Sanah Aslam. Sanah is a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and recently applied for residency in ophthalmology.

We discuss Sanah's path to finding ophthalmology and how her passion for neuroscience and drew her to the field. Sanah shares some experiences from her ophthalmology rotation at her medical school and how she had a blast taking call with the residents. We discuss her love of animals, how she missed out on meeting Hasan Minhaj TWICE, and what she's watching on Netflix these days.

You can follow Sanah on Twitter at @Sanah_Aslam.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Luis Berrocal, MD PGY-1 at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Luis and I discuss his interest in ophthalmology and how he felt the calling to pursue the specialty. He shares what drew him as an applicant to UIC and what he believes applicants should keep in mind when thinking of programs that fit who they are as a person. Luis shares some advice for the upcoming interview season, and we finish off talking about some tennis!

Luis can be reached at lacaba2@uic.edu, and you can follow the residents of UIC's ophthalmology residency program at @uiceyeresidents on Instagram. You can also follow the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UIC on Twitter @UICovs and Instagram @ieeiophthalmology.

To learn more about the program at UIC for information on clinical education, surgical education, global health experiences, research, and more, check out the website to the program here: