My Favorite part about Ophthalmology
I often get asked: What is my favorite part about ophthalmology? 👁
It's easy: I love the variety.
I spend most of my time helping patients in clinic - counseling them and giving them tips to improve their vision and eye health. I do eye examinations and interpret testing and images. And I prescribe drops and medications for eye diseases.
If warranted, I can also do lasers and procedures, and when necessary perform surgery to improve or save someone's vision. I love being able to “do it all” for most of my patients.
Because every day and patient can be different, and I rarely feel bored. It’s what drew me to the specialty as a student and it keeps me sharp to this day. I couldn't SEE myself doing anything else.
HOw long does it take to become an ophthalmologist?
I often get the questions: How long did it take for you to become an ophthalmologist? 👁 How old were you? Was it worth it or would you have done anything differently?
I would typically say it’s rude to ask a lady about age 😉, but for the sake of education:
Middle and high school => 18 years old
4 years of College => 22 years old
4 years of Medical school => 26 years old
1 year Preliminary Internship => 27 years old
3 years Ophthalmology Residency => 30 years old
1 year Glaucoma Fellowship => (drumroll 🥁) 31 years old
We doctors often joke that we spend our prime years studying and stressing out. Many of us delay our love lives, our family lives, our “real” lives to pursue medicine.
Was it worth it? Definitely. Because I get to spend the rest of my life doing something I truly love. And I am happy with the life I’ve built (as unconventional as it may be).
Would I have chosen something different or easier in hindsight? Absolutely not. You cannot predict life or what will happen with the decisions you make. Whose to say that I would have been ”happier” or it would have been “easier” had I chosen a different path? You can’t, and - even with our infertility struggles, dealing with discrimination at my early job, and the uncertainty of medicine - I wouldn’t risk all the good I have today - like my husband, kids, and all the opportunities.
Instead of wondering “what if” about a past you cannot change or lamenting about the time sacrificed, focus forward on how you can take this life and make it the best it can be...
#liveVICTORIOUS✌🏼
#doctormom #workingmom
“What is Ophthalmology?”
A new follower messaged me the other day, "What is ophthalmology?" 👁 Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows exactly what I do, so here goes!
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor 👩🏻⚕️ who has completed 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, 3 years of residency training, and an optional 1-2 years of fellowship (in glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics, retina, uveitis, pediatrics, or neuro-ophthalmology. Mind-blowing that a little body part has so many subspecialties right? 👁).
On any given day, I can be in clinic seeing patients and helping them with their medications; or doing laser procedures; or in the operating room performing surgeries. I see lots of different eye issues, from dry eye and infections to cataracts and diabetes inside the eyes.
As a glaucoma specialist, the majority of my patients come to me for help managing their eye pressures (I liken glaucoma to systemic hypertension; it's often asymptomatic, but if unmanaged for a long time, can cause major issues like vision loss). I absolutely love what I do. Patients can literally "see" the difference oftentimes 👀 - and it's a privilege to be able to help.
Love what you do. ❤️ Do what you love.
Because those who can see the world are the ones who will change it...
(and yes, that is a Sofia the First remix. 😂👑 “So much to learn and see...!”)
“As a medical student, did you have time for anything else?”
To my surprise, premeds (including high school students!) have been hitting up my inbox 📨 to ask for advice and seek encouragement in their medical school journeys. I love it, but it also makes me feel ooooooold 😂)
One of the most common questions revolves around the amount of work and studying that is involved becoming a physician: “Will I have time for anything else?” 👩🏻⚕️
This is what I tell them: Yes, there will be lots of studying 📖 and late nights. 🌙 So you will have to MAKE the time for your extracurriculars and PROTECT your outside interests. ❤️
In high school and as an undergrad, I loved hanging out with my friends and sorority sisters. I was involved in student government and clubs (sports , dance, and cultural). I also loved tutoring and mentoring other students.
But everyone knew I was a premed, and so when it came time to study and/or head home early from a party, they supported (and some even joined) me. 📚
This balance will also be important in medical school and beyond, where it will be so easy to get caught up in work and the rat race (of grades, residencies, promotions, research, etc).
Don’t forget about YOU - your interests and your passions. Because a happy, fulfilled, and well rounded physician is truly the best kind (and honestly what medical schools, residencies, and fellowships are looking for!).