How did you first become involved in ophthalmology research?

My journey in academic ophthalmology started when I enrolled in the Master of Vision Science and Investigative Ophthalmology program at the University of Miami, in collaboration with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. This 2-year master’s degree program offered me comprehensive training in ophthalmic translational research and exposure to clinical ophthalmology. Being in close proximity to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, I had the opportunity to meet numerous mentors over the course of 2 years. Upon completion of my master’s, I transitioned to a role as a postdoctoral research fellow with the cornea and external ocular disease department, working primarily with Carol Karp, MD, and studying diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of ocular surface tumors. This proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences in my academic career to date. From seeing the rarest ocular surface tumors to developing my research skill set, I was able to grow in many respects.

What is the focus of your current research?

My current research focuses on exploring new avenues for education and accessibility to learning resources within ophthalmology. One of my current endeavors focuses on the development of a virtual and augmented reality training simulator for indirect ophthalmoscopy. In conjunction with colleagues at the University of Miami and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the extended-reality software we are developing aims to enhance the training of medical students and ophthalmology residents. Indirect ophthalmoscopy is one of the more challenging and essential skills to master early in training. What most excites me about this venture are the far-reaching implications with respect to ophthalmic education and its accessibility. Our aim with this software is to provide early access to medical students who may not have had the opportunity to practice this skill prior to residency and to enhance the educational experience for trainees early in their training.

Who is your research mentor?

I have been fortunate to work with a host of exceptional mentors throughout my training as a research fellow at Bascom Palmer and thus far in ophthalmology residency at Cook County Health Ophthalmology in Chicago. I owe a great deal of gratitude to them all. I am especially grateful to my primary mentor, Dr. Karp, who has helped me develop both as a clinician and as a human being.

How do you typically find a research opportunity?

Research is borne out of curiosity and the identification of an unanswered question or unmet need. In my training at Cook County, I work with an underserved population that often “falls through the cracks” of the health care system. Empathizing with the unique challenges of our own patient population has led me to explore alternative approaches to care for patients and to consider how our field as a whole can bridge these gaps.

What areas of research excite you most about the future of ophthalmology?

With AI coming to the forefront in all industry sectors, medicine has been no stranger to its potential utility. The clinical practice of ophthalmology relies to a large extent on imaging and image interpretation, lending itself well to the application of AI. Over the past several years, different deep learning algorithms have been developed to recognize and triage various pathologies. The field of retina alone has numerous AI models designed to screen for entities such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity. Although AI’s application to clinical practice is still in its infancy, the potential for how it will change the field gives me great optimism!

What do you look for in a research partner, either on the physician or the industry side?

The qualities I value in a research partner are persistence and adaptability. Research is rarely a smooth process, and various hurdles are bound to pop up. Every research setting has its benefits and limitations, and it is important to surround yourself with colleagues who can find solutions—conventional or unconventional—to the various challenges that the research process presents. 

What are your overall research goals?

My overall academic goals include improving access to educational resources for trainees and medical students and democratizing access to mentorship irrespective of training setting. My clinical research goals at Cook County involve improving access to care in underserved communities and exploring the social factors behind our patients’ clinical outcomes.

What advice would you give to other aspiring or young ophthalmologists looking to conduct research?

My biggest advice is to adopt a collaborative mindset, as together everyone achieves more. Ophthalmology attracts a wide range of people with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Recognize your strengths and limitations as a researcher, and don’t be afraid to reach out to those with a different skill set. Furthermore, the ophthalmology community is small; opening yourself to collaboration with others will yield new opportunities down the line that can help further your career. I myself have embarked on several projects with colleagues whom I’ve met at various events, including YoungMD Connect’s very own meeting!