Dr. Rishi Singh

Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

Realizing that eye improvements can be some of the greatest improvements in a person's welfare.

Did you have a mentor who influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?

My research mentor Dr Vicker Trinkaus Randall. She was the first person to give me a chance at eye research and was incredibly instrumental in helping me critically evaluate my work and improve my presentation and writing style.

What advice do you have for medical students or residents interested in ophthalmology?

If you have found your passion in it, pursue to the highest degrees you can whether that is through meetings, doing research or public service.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

Don't worry. It will come with time.

Is there anything else you would like to share? Hobbies?

None

Dr. Zelia M Correa

Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

The intricacies and fascinating physiology of the eye and the science behind ophthalmology.

Did you have a mentor who influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?

Yes, I had 2 mentors, one on the academic side that shared his passion for research and direct patient care. My other mentor was a champion for the profession and patient advocacy.

What advice do you have for medical students or residents interested in ophthalmology?

Dedicate yourself to the profession and your patients, it will be very rewarding to you as a person.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

Listen more, read more (study), and always be a keen observer to learn from others.

Is there anything else you would like to share? Hobbies?

I work very hard and volunteer whenever I can. When I am not doing that, I love reading, traveling, and cycling

Dr. Courtney Bovee

Glaucoma Surgeon

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

The uniqueness of the disease states, interventions and surgical approaches.

Did you have a mentor who influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?

Many mentors have influenced my career trajectory.

What advice do you have for medical students or residents interested in ophthalmology?

Pursue research and shadow those in your desired field to learn what a day entails.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

Establish a close knit network to share clinical experience and expertise.

Is there anything else you would like to share? Hobbies?

Sailing, travel, boating.

Dr. Matthew Kay

Neuro ophthalmologist

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

It is the window to the brain!

Did you have a mentor who influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?

He turned me onto this wonderful field.

What advice do you have for medical students or residents interested in ophthalmology?

Nail your u s m l e part two...And be an excellent student as well.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

I wouldn't change anything in my life

Is there anything else you would like to share? Hobbies?

Blending wine, food, and travel.

Dr. Basil K. Williams Jr.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

I went into ophthalmology specifically to do ocular oncology and retina. I worked as an ophthalmic technician for a period of time as a favor to a friend, with the thought that it would be an opportunity to earn a paycheck while waiting for a job in finance. I watched how the attending connected with patients because of his demeanor and level of caring, and it struck me as one of the most fulfilling professions I could imagine. I watched him interact with patients newly diagnosed with ocular cancers and greatly appreciated the way he helped to navigate them through the challenging time. His compassion and the patients response to that made me feel that it was the type of job I needed to do.

Did you have a mentor who influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?

I have so many mentors who influenced my career. They were all for different reasons. Some was their intellectual curiosity, others there ability to talk to patients in the midst of difficult circumstances, others was their ability to inspire through the sheer will of their personality. I have tried to learn from each of them and pick up small tips for myself to use.

What advice do you have for medical students or residents interested in ophthalmology?

Almost all the ophthalmologists I know are extremely happy with their choice of work. That means the trainees have made an excellent decision by choosing this field. I would give as much of themselves to learning and developing as possible during their training and pay forward opportunities they will benefit from because the profession will be taking care of them for many years to come.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

I received lots of good advice during my training, but there are 2 things that I heard and didn't put together until more recently. The first is that confidence comes from putting in a significant amount of effort to read, prepare, research, and practice my skillset in the operating room and clinic. The second was that I belonged in the field of ophthalmology and deserved it. It took a while to understand that the confidence that I belonged in the field would come from the effort I put in to improve.

Is there anything else you would like to share? Hobbies?

I was born in St. George's, Grenada and grew up in the Bronx. Basketball is my favorite sport to play and watch, and I am always looking for new sports-related books and podcasts to read and listen to, respectively.

Dr. Helayna Brown

Cataract and cornea specialist in private practice

What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

Operating on the eye is fun and the patients are (almost) always happy!

Did you have a mentor who influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?

My residency chairman, Jeff Henderer. He was the most down to earth relatable man who ALWAYS had time for his residents and patients no matter how many more pressing matters there were to tend to. He always made his residents feel important and like they mattered. I hope to have a career that is just as meaningful and impactful.

What advice do you have for medical students or residents interested in ophthalmology?

Let your passion guide you and be yourself. You would be surprised how far you can get just by being a genuine person.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

There’s never going to be a right time to make your next big move, so do it now

Is there anything else you would like to share? Hobbies?

Reading little blue truck books with my 2 year old.