The term fellowship has meant different things at different times to different people. In The Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship refers to the group responsible for destroying the One Ring; the importance of fellowship, however, stretches far deeper. Fellowship is a shared burden: While Frodo bears the ring, the burden of evil from carrying it is felt by the whole group. In facing Sauron’s Nine Black Riders (Ringwraiths), the Fellowship brings together hobbits, men, elves, dwarves, and wizards, illustrating the power of unity within diversity.
Fast forward 50 years, and we encounter a newer version of fellowship in Harry Potter. An informal fellowship forms among the Golden Trio. Harry, Ron, and Hermione offer unwavering support to each other, even in the face of ultimate danger. The Order of the Phoenix is a fellowship of like-minded but different individuals united by the desire to combat evil. What ultimately defeats Voldemort is grounded in these bonds of friendship.
In medicine today, fellowship refers to formal subspecialty training. We must not, however, forget its origin. A fellowship is a friendship between people with similar interests. What starts as a defined preceptor-trainee dynamic develops into a camaraderie with parallel learning. Preceptors take on the responsibility to empower and encourage; fellows—whether they realize it or not—catalyze growth and development in their mentors.
To the residents: Patient population, clinical volumes, surgical experience, and academic opportunities are all important factors when deciding if and where you complete fellowship training. Do not, however, underestimate the fellowship relationship—it will live within you forever. Attendings spend 1 year as glaucoma fellows, but as we continue to practice our craft, we forever remain fellows of glaucoma. We hope this issue of GT will help you reflect on this humbling journey, with all of us committed to the fellowship of glaucoma.
