“You’re ruining your Eyes…”
As an ophthalmologist, I realized early in my training that some of the things my mom told me would "damage" or “ruin” my eyes weren't quite true... 👀
The truth is, your vision/need for glasses depends on the size and shape of your eyes. If you are myopic or nearsighted, that means your eyes are too long/large. If you are hyperopic or farsighted, that means your eyes are too short/small. An astigmatism means your eyes are not quite round, more of a football shape.
And no amount of reading in the dark, watching TV, wearing your glasses, using your phone/computer, or crossing your eyes is going to change your eye size and shape.
So instead, I tell my kids that too much TV/iPad time rots their brains 🧠... better right? 🤣
wear red day 2021
Today is National #WearRedDay! - a day to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, especially in women.
Did you know that 1 of 3 women will die of heart disease or stroke? And that a large percentage of these could be prevented?
Both my mother and grandmother have heart disease - which puts me at risk as well. Today is a reminder that my health is in my hands - that with a good diet, regular exercise, and open dialogue with my doctor, I can keep my heart (and thus ME) in the best shape possible...
(And yes, I’m an ophthalmologist , but heart disease affects the entire body, including the eyes! Plus, did you know that before deciding to pursue ophthalmology, I was strongly considering cardiology? My first 2 years of medical school were spent in interventional cardiology labs and publishing research, so I will always have a special place in my heart for it... )
National Women Physicians Day 2021
Happy National Women Physicians Day to all my busy, multitasking, strong, compassionate lady doc colleagues and friends!
(And thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell for paving the way! )
Ophthalmology Match 2021
Today is the ophthalmology match. 👁 This is the day that medical students across the US find out at which program they will spend their 3 year ophthalmology residency.
What is the match process like?
Back in July, ophthalmology-hopeful 4th year medical students submitted their applications online - including their grades/scores, CVs, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Programs and hospitals then offered and conducted interviews between October and January (this year they were mainly virtual, but I remember flying all across the country for mine - all the while trying to complete my hospital rotations).
This past January 25th, medical students and programs submitted their rank lists - number 1 being the program or candidate they each most desired and on down. I remember scouring over mine - checking and double checking to make sure mine was correct. Because once these lists get submitted and put into the computer system, the results are binding. 😳
The matching algorithm then goes through a whole mathematical process to match candidates to programs - optimizing rank list preferences but giving the medical students' choices priority.
Today, medical students and program directors find out how it all shook out. Some students matched, some didn't. Some got their first choices, some did not. All in all, today is a huge milestone in the medical journey, and something to be celebrated and acknowledged. 👏🏼
Congrats to everyone who matched! Welcome to the ophthalmology family!!!
Life before covid
Yes, I am a doctor. Yes, I have dedicated much of my life to medicine and the treatment of diseases. Yes, I believe wholeheartedly in science.
But when it comes to the COVID vaccine, while I appreciate all the incredible research and dedicated work that has gone into creating this safe and effective option, those are not the main reasons I chose to get it:
I got it for my kids.
I got it for my parents.
I got it for my patients.
I got it so my friends and I will be able to hang out and celebrate more moments together.
I got it so my husband and I can travel and have new experiences once again.
I got it to get us one step closer to life and a world before COVID.
Why and for whom will you get it?
Thanks but no…
“You are only a part time doctor, what do you know...?"
"I didn't ask to see your closet... so tacky."
"You must not be THAT busy/serious if you are posting on social media."
"Quit dancing and take care of your kids/patients..."
I know that I'm not everyone's cup of tea (or coffee ☕️😉), and that's OK. I am passionate about being a doctor and a mother; I love fashion and having a fun, fulfilling life; and I want to educate, inspire, and humanize the medical journey. I have faith that my people (like you all - I am so so appreciative! ❤️) will find and follow me, and everyone else can just keep on scrolling!
#liveVICTORIOUS✌🏼 #doctormom