If I had been asked to specify the qualities of someone who was to teach me any subject, I would have asked for a teacher who was deeply knowledgeable in his subject and passionate about it with the ability to pass those qualities on to others; someone who was courteous, kind, witty and genuinely interested in their student’s progress, problems and in them as unique personalities and not merely as part of their current ‘batch’ of students. I have been astonishingly fortunate to find exactly such a teacher in Professor XXXX, whose influence has undoubtedly changed the course of my life.
Professor XXXX was my first teacher in Ophthalmology and a great inspiration to me and many others. The professor was a Scot and a graduate of the University of London; he retired after 26 years in 2002. The Professor was a fine man, doctor, and teacher. I met him while undertaking medical school electives in his subject at the XXXX Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. He was closely interested in the progress of all his students, was consistently patient and kind in all his dealings with us, with a gentle sense of humor. He took a great interest in me and my aspirations; he infected me with the love of his specialty and inspired me to pursue it.
Professor XXXX was particularly interested in ophthalmological conditions causing visual impairment and blindness in children. Children were put at ease by his friendly, relaxed manner and readiness to share a joke and smile. He taught me much more than medical techniques; he helped me understand the importance of relating well to patients and listening to and alleviating their anxiety. He also taught me about the importance of time management and effective prioritization. I have much to thank him for. I do not aspire to become another Professor XXXX, but he has provided me with an example of professional excellence worth a whole library of textbooks.
The Professor was particularly interested in systematic connection and the eye; for instance, he researched the ocular manifestation of AIDS and the effect of diabetic retinopathy on pregnancy. His research inspired me to study the effects of diabetes on the eye and the impact of ocular tumors, and I spent a year at the XXXX Cancer Centre in XXXX doing so.
I was privileged to have accompanied the Professor as a volunteer on outreach visits to Low Vision Clinics. With the Professor’s help and encouragement, I was a finalist for the Victorian State Prize Examination in ophthalmology. awarded by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. I decided to do a second elective in Ophthalmology at the same hospital and worked as an unaccredited Registrar. I acquired clinical skills and extended my knowledge of the specialty.
During my studies, I suffered vision loss from optic neuritis and gained some first-hand experience with the anxiety eye patients suffer. The Professor gave me unstinting support during this distressing period. Had I any doubts about the importance of this specialty, the loss of my sight would have removed them. Sight is a precious gift, and maintaining and restoring it is, I passionately believe, the most rewarding way that I could spend my efforts and talents.
Following my own experience of blindness, my appreciation of the needs of the blind and the visually impaired was heightened. Consequently, I volunteered to become a personal reader for a blind student. I also assisted in diabetic retinopathy screening for Indigenous Australians.
I became aware that my chosen specialty was highly competitive in Australia, so I entertained some doubts about pursuing it. Professor XXXX encouraged me to persist, and with his help and support, I decided to gain experience abroad. I went to Singapore and worked as a Clinical Research Fellow in Ophthalmology at the XXXX Eye Research Institute. During this time, I conducted the first and largest ethnic-based ocular epidemiological study in Southeast Asia under the direction and mentorship of Professor XXXX.
My work resulted in my earning first-class honors in my MPhil (Ophthalmology) from the University of XXXX. I also published more than twenty papers in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and gave presentations at international conferences. My interpersonal skills were enhanced during my time in Singapore, and my professional network was extended. More recently, I have had experience as an Ophthalmology Registrar in Malaysia, where I continue to conduct clinical trials while working full time in my Ophthalmology training.
I have acquired vast knowledge and experience of the specialty in my various professional roles and volunteer experiences and have honed my clinical skills. I have discovered that I possess the skill necessary for fine microsurgery, which I enjoy. I am extremely excited at the advances that offer diagnostic and therapeutic precision possibilities unavailable in most specialties.
Throughout my career, Professor XXXX has maintained contact, providing advice, guidance, encouragement, and support. During my visits back to Melbourne, I had the immense pleasure of meeting the Professor at his home. In addition to all his other talents, I discovered that he was an excellent pianist, made perfect scones, and was an even more amusing and exciting raconteur than I had suspected. He has gone a long way to prepare me for an Ophthalmology residency position.
Ophthalmology Residency Personal Statement