What does a retinal surgeon and ophthalmologist do all day?

Before medical school, I completed a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). After medical school at the University of Western Ontario, I entered Ophthalmology residency at UBC before completing further subspecialty fellowship training at the University of Toronto. I really enjoy the surgical side of things, particularly delicate microsurgeries that have to be done with extreme precision. I also am amazed by the technical side, which is always evolving and very exciting. The retina is an important part of the eye for sight. When it detaches it can cause permanent and significant vision loss. As a result, we operate on these patients on an emergent basis, whether it be day or night. Other areas I deal with are macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, both of which also can cause damage to eyes and blindness. 5:30 a.m. It is a good opportunity to review medical cases and imaging, especially if operating that day. I’ll also prepare for meetings and discussions that usually begin at 7 a.m. in my role as the Head of the Department of Surgery at Burnaby Hospital. Our hospital provides a full range of acute care and specialized services in Metro Vancouver and is known for having one of the busiest ERs in the province. Having been the Chief of Surgery since 2019, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been lots of challenges and learning experiences. There have also been many fulfilling endeavours. Read: What does a geriatrician do all day? Our large operative and perioperative team of surgeons, physicians and affiliated team members provide surgical interventions year round. We also have a robust Obstetrical service. Our hospital surgical department as a whole provides compassionate Emergent and Urgent Surgical care 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Strong team work is imperative. 7 a.m. Often I am in meetings by this point. The topics can range from surgical leadership and medical management reviews to department planning and hospital coordination meetings. After those conclude, usually I will move on to seeing patients in the clinic or conducting surgery in the Operating Room. Surgery is still generally done manually, so you have to be extremely careful. The eye has multiple and different structures that are micrometers in thickness. You can’t go a millimetre off track. Read: Cars, clouds and in the cold: Sunglasses aren't just for sunny summer days In the office, I work in a group practice with colleagues. We have very advanced equipment and tools for examining and diagnosing patients. I see referrals there from across the province, including patients sent from Emergency Room physicians, Family Physicians and Ophthalmology colleagues. In medicine, we are always thinking of ways to improve our techniques and processes. No one can become complacent. We all feel the drive to keep improving and advancing the field for the benefit of our patients. 2 p.m. Mornings run seamlessly into the afternoons. If there is a chance to stop for a quick lunch (or bathroom break!) it’s a luxury. In addition to my practice, I have leadership and teaching obligations within Ophthalmology, the hospital and the university. In the past, I also have been involved in additional activities, including serving as the President of the Professional Association of Resident Physicians of British Columbia. Our hospital in Burnaby has been undergoing an exciting redevelopment process throughout the whole site for the past years. As a result, we have been very involved in the upcoming creation of new Operating Theatres for the hospital campus. The level of planning is extensive and has required input from the full team for the past ten years. A lot of background research and information gathering along with evaluation has been necessary. We all are thrilled and can’t wait for our new state-of-the-art Operating Rooms and Equipment! 10 p.m. If there are urgent or emergent cases that need to be dealt with, they need to be seen or operated on at any time of day or night. So the finish time for each day can be quite variable and sometimes extend into the following morning. It is probably clear by now that my schedule is very unscheduled. I never know what’s going to happen on any given day and have to try to be ready for anything. By observing their dedication from a young age, my parents who are both medical professionals, instilled in me the attitude that patients always come first. This is the only way I know how to practise medicine. However, I must concede that it impacts on one’s ability to spend time with family. I admit that my work/life balance is still a work in progress and a price to pay for the privilege of having an exciting and stimulating medical career. There are always new things to learn and improvements to be made. However, I am confident and heartened to see that as a medical profession we always are trying to do our best to provide for our patients in their times of need.

What does a retinal surgeon and ophthalmologist do all day?

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