I am a third-year medical student interested in becoming a pediatric ophthalmologist, and YoungMD Connect (YMDC) is the sole reason I am even aware that there is a space for me to combine my passions for eyes and kids. Prior to my involvement with the platform, I had no idea this was possible.

I initially joined YMDC at the advice of an upperclassman, since we come from an institution that lacks a home ophthalmology program. YMDC proved to be a critical way for me to gain exposure to the world of ophthalmology. I was positively overwhelmed by how the mentoring sessions provided me with a front-row seat to unbeatable expertise and advice from established ophthalmologists. I remember feeling almost frantic trying to attend as many sessions as I could to glean meaningful insights.

YMDC deserves credit for providing me with my “aha” moment as a medical student in one of the first sessions I attended. In that session, Courtney Kraus, MD, mentored YMDC members on pediatric ophthalmology. I remember feeling bewildered to learn that pediatric ophthalmology even existed and that I could center my entire career around kids and eyes. (Dr. Kraus, if you ever read this, please know that you were the spark that set ablaze my drive to become a pediatric ophthalmologist.) I don’t like to dwell on the what-ifs too much, but I often wonder if I would have found my way to pediatric ophthalmology if I hadn’t joined YMDC and logged into Dr. Kraus’ session. I know I will look back on that experience as a core memory for years to come.

The physicians who serve as mentors for YMDC are nothing short of fantastic. Every session that I have attended has left me feeling inspired and motivated. I find that I come away from these programs with my face sore from smiling because the participating physicians speak with such infectious joy and passion about their careers.

Although my experience and journey is focused on pediatric ophthalmology, YMDC makes it possible to explore and find passion in every facet of ophthalmology because of the sheer variety of opportunities available. Even for medical students who are unsure of their preferred career path, YMDC is an ideal exploration tool for trekking through the ophthalmic universe. I find this organization’s efforts even more impactful when I consider how our baseline exposure to ophthalmology in medical school can be limited.

If you are a medical student interested in ophthalmology, YMDC is the resource for you. I have met so many amazing physicians and delightful ophthalmology aspirants since joining. YMDC has helped me feel less stressed about navigating ophthalmology without a home institution. Through YMDC, I have received invaluable gifts of mentorship and guidance that would not have been possible otherwise.