Roughly 12 years ago, I was a freshly minted college graduate with a degree in economics but a desire to be a physician. A muddle of emotions consumed me. Of the many decisions people make in life, choosing a career ranks high, so I began the process by seeking the advice of mentors, family, and friends. After being accepted into a postbaccalaureate program in New York City, with much trepidation, I began a journey that led me to a glaucoma fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital, and I am now on the cusp of branching out on my own.
During my residency at the Penn State Hershey Eye Center, I learned what it means to love a job. I saw firsthand how my attendings treated their patients, fought vigorously for their well-being, and believed that what they did made a difference. There was a purpose, a calling some might say. I quickly began to emulate my attendings’ passion, and I tried to incorporate their teachings into my interactions with patients. I worked hard and soon found that my studies grew less stressful and more fascinating. That fascination became a love of ophthalmology and, eventually, the subspecialty of glaucoma.
To me, glaucoma is akin to primary care medicine. Patients are seen multiple times per year, discussions go beyond medicine to touch on family and life, and doctors and patients actually become friends. I fell in love with the subspecialty, because I believe in its cause, yearn to learn more, and am excited about the possibility of better treatments and surgeries.
For these reasons, when deciding where to apply for a glaucoma fellowship, I considered more than surgical and clinical experiences. I wanted to work in an environment that nurtured the qualities I found endearing in residency. The truth is that, everywhere I interviewed, I felt that those qualities existed, but I felt a bond with the faculty at Wills Eye, much as I had with my attendings in residency. Our ideas and beliefs were complementary, and their desire to think outside the box solidified my decision to train here. I have not been disappointed. Each day brings with it a chance to learn something new, taught by someone with a wealth of experience who is willing to share his or her ideas.
Each step I have taken has been a blessing. Despite the many sleepless nights and the excruciating length of the journey, I feel fortunate to have worked with and learned from some of the sharpest minds in ophthalmology. Writing this article has allowed me to reflect on and appreciate the journey itself. It has made me realize just how lucky I have been in my career thus far. Each day has brought new meaning and reinforced my decision to pursue my dreams. I am a lucky man and hope never to forget that. n
Section Editor Albert S. Khouri, MD, is an assistant professor and program director of the ophthalmology residency, and he is an associate director of the Glaucoma Division at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Khouri may be reached at (973) 972-2045; albert.khouri@rutgers.edu.
Eddie Aminlari, MD, completed a glaucoma fellowship at Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia in July 2015. He is now the cataract and glaucoma surgeon for Morris Eye Group in San Diego. Dr. Aminlari may be reached at (717) 574-6416; eddieaminlari@gmail.com.
