I am honored to be nominated for the position of trustee-at-large for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and represent my colleagues and their patients. I’ve had the privilege of serving our great profession in many leadership roles within the Academy, Women in Ophthalmology (WIO), and Georgia Society of Ophthalmology.
I was born and raised in Nashville, Tenn., where I completed my undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and medical school at Vanderbilt University. After my residency training at Emory University and my fellowship training at University of Southern California Doheny Eye Institute, I joined faculty at Emory Eye Center and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2010. While at Emory, I’ve had the privilege of training more than 100 residents, fellows and medical students. I have mentored many other students, trainees and young ophthalmologists across the U.S. and internationally through my work with the Academy and WIO as they build and refine their career path.
Through my work with the Academy’s Young Ophthalmologist (YO) committee and the Ophthalmic News and Education (ONE®) Network, the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology and Women in Ophthalmology, I developed a passion and skill for educational programming and mentorship. I planned many innovative and engaging meetings for each of these organizations to meet the unique needs of their members. I have grown my leadership skills through the Academy’s Leadership Development program as well as serving as the Academy’s YO Committee chair, editor-in-chief of the ONE Network and board member of Women in Ophthalmology. I have learned directly from cross-sectional groups of our membership the fulfillment they receive from our patients and the concerns they hold for the future of our profession. I understand the importance of listening, empathy, clear communication and collaboration in building consensus and achieving progress for our profession and our patients.
After 11 years in academics, I took the leap to start my own practice this year. I have been grateful for the Academy’s leadership during this challenging period of pandemic, economic stress, and labor and supply shortages. The guidance of Academy staff and ophthalmology colleagues across the country has been invaluable as I navigate a new and exciting chapter in my career. I look forward to using my experience and skills to serve my colleagues, advance our field and best prepare us for upcoming challenges as trustee-at-large.