Hometown: Detroit, MI
Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Chemistry Major
Name of Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Residency Program: University of Cincinnati Ophthalmology Residency Program
Favorite Quote: “Don’t work harder, work smarter.”
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
I am an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment. I chose this career because giving people the ability to see and keep their vision allows me to make a tremendous impact on the quality of life of every patient I encounter.
If you could go back and have a chat with your 1st year postgraduate self, what would you tell him?
Continue to follow your dreams and all the hard work will pay off.
What advice would you give to a medical student looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
Find what you are passionate about and dedicate yourself fully to accomplishing your goal.
What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?
Growing up in an area where crime and poverty were commonplace, I had to make my own path to becoming a professional with little guidance on how to accomplish this goal.
Do you have another professional degree? If so, how has it impacted you?
Having been trained in a PhD program, I approach things in a more methodical way than I might have otherwise. Where some may see roadblocks, I see opportunity. Although, some of my outlook may be more related to having created my own path to getting to where I am today.
What do you feel makes your specialty stand out from other specialties?
Many other specialties deal with problems that do not currently affect their daily activities. Blood pressure and blood sugar for example, are extremely important but patients typically won't be aware unless levels are critical. With the eye, even slight changes in vision can be immediately noticed and can impact a patient’s life dramatically. This puts the eye surgeon in a unique position to have an immediate and dramatic impact on a patient’s perception of and function within the world.
Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself with us and for your advice Dr. Allen! Your unique perspective in the field of medicine is very much appreciated! And you make a very valid point about the ophthalmology specialty!
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on March 16th, 2017