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    Minority Representation Matters 

    As a future physician, I am continuously inspired by the vision of providing equitable and quality health care to my patients and to aid in decreasing systemic disparities. Increased diversity in the medical field helps our patients feel more connected to their physicians, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes. On a personal level, I am motivated by the stories and sustained efforts of my grandparents and parents, who immigrated to the United States from Guyana and Nigeria. Their wit and determination to achieve their goals have provided a strong foundation for pursuing my aspirations. When I became interested in ophthalmology early in my academic career, I recognized the competitive­ness of the field, along with limited racial minority represen­tation. Doubt crept in.

    However, in recent years, minority representation in the field of medicine has increased, and I’m appreciative of the dedication of the Academy—in partnership with the As­sociation of University Professors of Ophthalmology—to diversity in ophthalmology through the Minority Ophthal­mology Mentoring program. I was fortunate to be paired with Lorraine M. Provencher, MD, a mentor that I feel connected with, and I look forward to continuing to foster our relation­ship as I embark on my career. I am eager for future students to experience what I have through this program—it is espe­cially important for students like me who come from medical schools with no home program in ophthalmology.

    I am eternally grateful for the opportunities offered by the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program. Ultimately, I am empowered to dream bigger.

    Imani Nwokeji, BS
    City University of New York School of Medicine, New York City

    In Response to “When Taking a Chance Pays Off”

    I am grateful to Ruth D. Williams, MD, for her April Opinion, “When Taking a Chance Pays Off.” Because I have a child with special needs, this particular contribution caught my attention, stirred my emotion, and—most importantly—provided me with hope for my teenage daughter, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at two years of age. As my wife, Ami, and I continue to navigate and ad­vocate for her, stories like these help raise our hope for her future inclusion, particularly in the workforce. Dr. Williams, thank you and Christy for sharing this story and the ever-needed example of humanity we can all demonstrate in our medical practices.

    George M. Watson, MD
    Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Roseville, Calif.

    WRITE TO US. Send your letters of 150 words or fewer to us at EyeNet Magazine, American Academy of Oph­thalmology, 655 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109; e-mail eyenet@aao.org; or fax 415-561-8575. (EyeNet Magazine reserves the right to edit letters.)