Altruism key for a young ophthalmologist’s legacy
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Young ophthalmologists should work toward creating a legacy of serving the underserved inside and outside of their practice, according to a presentation at Real World Ophthalmology.
“We leave a legacy in the residents we train. We leave a legacy in the patients we care for, publications if you are in academics, but there is an additional layer to a legacy, I think, and that is altruism,” Jane C. Edmond, MD, president-elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said.
According to Edmond, ophthalmologists should ensure their practices accept Medicaid and publicly insured patients in addition to volunteering for mission trips and local charity care clinics.
“Developing countries have a great need for us, but we also in our country have great need and many people who are not being served,” she said.
Embracing opportunities to mentor and build ongoing relationships with fellows, residents and students will help ophthalmologists make a positive, lasting impact, as will setting aside money and time for philanthropic efforts. Edmond encouraged ophthalmologists to think big in their goals by aiming to create scholarships, establish fellowships and research award stipends, support resident travel and training labs, and endow ophthalmology departments.
“Give with your wallet. Leave a legacy in donations and charitable gifts,” she said.
Young ophthalmologists should be prepared to accept, act on and learn from feedback about how their actions may affect fellow staff members and the institution as a whole.
“Never forget how your actions impact others and the organization itself,” Edmond said. “Make the necessary corrections to go from ‘me’ to ‘we.’”
Collapse
Edmond JC. Top tips I would tell my YO self! Presented at: Real World Ophthalmology; Sept. 30, 2023 (virtual meeting).
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts