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GIVE US A BRIEF SUMMARY OF YOUR BACKGROUND.
I am from the small town of Colfax, Wisconsin. I grew up with two older brothers, one of whom is also an optometrist and practices at Mayo Clinic. My middle brother is an accountant for Menards. Both of my parents work in health care, my mom as an RN and my dad as a lab IT director. Growing up, my brothers and I were either playing sports or hunting and fishing.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION.
I am the ocular disease resident at Associated Eye Care in Stillwater, Minnesota, where I primarily see acute care addons, cataract and LASIK postoperations, and medical referrals.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN OPTOMETRY?
The work-life balance is great, and I was lucky enough to shadow my older brother while still in my undergraduate program. Seeing the immediate impact optometry can have on a patient’s life captivated me, and the work-life balance was definitely a plus.
WHAT CAUSES OR SPECIALTIES ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I enjoy managing chronic conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes, but I would say my primary specialty of interest is definitely dry eye disease. I enjoy the complexity of these patients; it is like trying to solve an ever-evolving puzzle. In addition, dry eye is increasingly prevalent.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR TRAINING SO FAR?
Making those meaningful connections with my patients and having a positive effect on their lives.
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND MOST CHALLENGING IN YOUR OPTOMETRIC JOURNEY?
The two most challenging aspects of my journey have been a 3-year, 500-mile long-distance relationship with my now wife and adjusting to the academic and clinical demands of my current residency.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 5 YEARS FROM NOW? WHAT ABOUT 15 YEARS FROM NOW?
I would love to be working in an OD/MD practice where I can practice to the fullest extent of my scope while continuing to specialize in the management of dry eye as well as other chronic conditions.
About Optometric Scholar of the Month
Modern Optometry created Optometric Scholar to recognize optometrists in training for their exceptional academic efforts, dedication to the progression of optometry, community service, inquisitiveness, and high potential as a future leader in optometry. View all Optometric Scholar profiles. New and soon-to-be optometrists seeking education, information, and guidance are encouraged to join YoungODConnect.com to connect with leading optometrists who were in your shoes not so long ago.
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