Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Second-year Resident 2005-06

Undergraduate: University of South Alabama

Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Internship: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

"Duke is special, you’ll see…" I received this response from Dr. Epstein (David Epstein, MD, chairman of ophthalmology) during my interview for residency when I asked him what motivated him to continue his leadership at Duke Eye Center. Fortunately, I received a position in the ophthalmology residency-training program and was able to have the Duke experience and realize that his description was indeed accurate.

Even prior to beginning my residency in July 2004, the faculty knew of my interest in oculoplastic reconstructive surgery and allowed me to write an article in EyeNet. Over the past two years, my clinical and surgical experiences at the Duke Eye Center, the Duke Health System, and the Asheville and Durham Veterans Affairs Hospital clinics have established a strong foundation on which to build my future career as an ophthalmologist. I have developed my skills as an ophthalmologist, and I have learned how to cultivate the precious patient/physician relationship, which really must be acquired first hand. I have learned that exchanging a laugh and a smile is as valuable as visual improvement, especially in cases where patients are plagued by chronic diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. I have exchanged Christmas cards with several patients; like many other residents, I have received small tokens of appreciation, which are priceless.

I am amazed by the faculty’s interest in my education, taking time to discuss clinical diagnoses and management, providing patience and guidance during surgery, and mentoring research projects and journal publications. One of the many highlights of my education is the faculty relationships I have developed, especially with Dr. Sharon Freedman, my mentor, Dr. Julie Woodward and Dr. Alan Carlson. For example, Dr. Freedman stayed on the phone and computer all day one Saturday to edit an abstract. She even called long distance to help me practice an oral presentation and to encourage me with a pep talk just prior to a national meeting presentation. On several occasions Dr. Woodward invited me to her home to edit an article. She has also assisted me with my decision regarding fellowship programs. Dr. Carlson helped me prepare a surgical video to present at national meetings. Numerous times Duke faculty have helped me polish presentations and articles, acquire surgical skills, and have given advice regarding future career paths. Most recently, I have felt support and genuine interest in my well-being when I went through the interview process for an ASOPRS oculoplastic fellowship, which I believe allowed me to receive a fellowship position. This selfless giving of one’s time and expertise has been the most treasured feature that I value in the program. Their dedication has motivated me to strive for excellence and mirror the outstanding role models I have.

It has been a wonderful opportunity to have some different learning experiences. I have been able to see a broad disease spectrum, work with a large clinical and surgical volume, and learn the pearls and innovative ideas at symposia from the leaders of each subspecialty, who are often Duke faculty. One of the most vital aspects is the hands-on experience that I have received in both clinic and surgery. I believe that the training program, and those involved in the program have exceeded my high expectations and have enabled me to achieve the goals I have set thus far in my career. Overall, I will look back on my experience at Duke Eye Center as one that has challenged me and has given me the tools and skills to be a clinician scientist who is a leader in the field and may make a lasting impact on ophthalmic care. I believe the camaraderie and goal for excellence here at Duke have set a standard that I will strive to establish in my practice. As I embark on my last year of training, I believe my experience will reveal a deeper level of understanding of what it means to be a part of the Duke family, because it truly is special.