Chances are good that many who practice ophthalmology for a living can relate to this line by Denzel Washington, which appeared in an essay the actor wrote some years ago: “I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.”
From early education and training to the peak of an ophthalmologist’s career, mentorship can — and should — play a role in guiding and supporting those at every level of professional development, says James Katz, MD, an anterior segment surgeon at The Midwest Center for Sight in Des Plaines, Ill.
“I think mentoring starts early for a lot of us. Most people who are mentors, if not all, have had mentors themselves in the past, and it’s a way of giving back. Specifically in ophthalmology, it goes from medical students through residents and fellows to practicing ophthalmologists who reach out, have questions and want to know about potential opportunities. It’s a lifelong process,” Dr. Katz says.
The Genesis of a Mentor
Dr. Katz recalls the pivotal role mentors played during his early years in ophthalmology. “I had mentors during medical school and residency who guided me through the process of choosing my field and understanding the opportunities within ophthalmology,” he says. One specific mentor, Joel Sugar, MD, a corneal specialist, had a profound influence on his career path.
“He showed me not just the practice, but how to treat patients and live a life dedicated to ophthalmology, academics and teaching,” Dr. Katz explains. This mentorship began in his second year as an ophthalmology resident in the mid-90s and, Dr. Katz believes, set the foundation for his future success.
Sheri Rowen, MD, FACS, an ophthalmologist at NVISION Eye Center in Newport Beach, Calif., shares a similar experience. Fresh out of residency, her surgical skills and ability to effectively communicate caught the attention of her seniors. “I was noticed by some people who were teaching that I had good hands and that I was picking things up really quickly,” she recalls. This recognition led to her involvement in advanced surgical courses and eventually to teaching roles.
Her early mentors, including Howard Fine, MD, and Charles Williamson, MD, not only taught her surgical techniques but also the nuances of effective communication and presentation. Now retired, Dr. Fine worked in private practice for 45 years in Eugene, Ore., and served as a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Dr. Williamson is the founder and medical director of Williamson Eye Center in Baton Rouge, La.
For Dr. Rowen, a realization came via Dr. Fine during a teaching stint in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. “He told me, ‘One lecture could help 10,000 patients. All you have to do is give it to somebody, and they’re going to either teach somebody or (treat) that many patients with what you’ve taught them.’ For me, his insight highlighted the exponential impact of mentorship. By educating one physician, a mentor indirectly improves the care of countless patients,” she recalls.
Building Mentorship Programs
When most people hear the word “mentorship,” they think of one-on-one relationships, with more experienced veterans sharing their wisdom and experience with younger colleagues. While that is true, there are also entire programs dedicated to mentoring ophthalmologists through structured, one-day sessions that help lay a foundation for longer-term mentorships.
One such program is the CEDARS/ASPENS Mentorship Program. Founded by Dr. Rowen and now led by Dr. Katz, the program is a formalized initiative of the CEDARS/ASPENS Society, an organization of anterior segment surgeon educators whose mission is to “foster excellence in patient care through clinical experience, peer-to-peer exchange and practice education.” The program focuses on various aspects of ophthalmology, including work-life balance, industry relationships, public speaking, contract negotiations and incorporating research into practice.
According to Dr. Rowen, “We created a mentorship program so that these [new physicians] could, one, learn how to speak. Two, understand how to maybe look at a contract. Three, how to incorporate research in their practices.”
The program selects participants based on recommendations, their curriculum vitae and their level of interest. Dr. Katz, the society’s current president, shares the success story of Brian Shafer, MD, an alumnus of the program.
“Brian attended our mentorship program, joined a practice and eventually started his own,” Dr. Katz recounts, noting that their ongoing relationship originating out of the program exemplifies the lasting impact of mentorship. “He still reaches out to me for advice, and it’s rewarding to see how far he’s come,” he says. (See “My journey into mentorship.”)
By Brian Shafer, MD
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I began my fellowship at Vance Thompson Vision. It was a challenging time for many reasons, but one in particular was the lack of in-person meetings and conferences. At these events, you can be introduced to key opinion leaders and others who can impact your professional development, but they were virtually non-existent during that time.
By mid-2021, the restrictions had eased, and I attended the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery meeting in Deer Valley, Park City, Utah. It was here that I participated in the AECOS & CEDARS/ASPENS Mentorship Program, a one-day session of workshops and opportunities for recent trainees like me to connect with established leaders in ophthalmology.
Some of the connections I made that day would shape my career well into the future. Dr. Jim Katz has been a consistent presence throughout my career. We connect several times a year, and he has been a sounding board for every major career decision — from my first job to starting my own practice. I also met Dr. Audrey R. Talley-Rostov, who has become an invaluable resource, especially when I need advice on complex cases or global ophthalmology.
My fellowship mentors, Dr. John Berdahl and Dr. Vance Thompson, have also been profound influences on my life. John has taught me more about surgical techniques, leadership and strategic thinking than any class or textbook. I’ll never forget the time when I was visibly anxious about a surgery my son was about to undergo. John pulled me aside and said, “The difference between an amateur and a professional is how they compose themselves in difficult life moments.” That lesson has stayed with me, guiding how I conduct myself in challenging situations.
Dr. Thompson’s approach to mentoring has been equally transformative, showing me the importance of leading with empathy and maintaining a strong moral compass in all interactions.
Entering the professional world after training can be isolating. Mentors can provide guidance and reassurance that you’re on the right path — or help you find it when you’re not.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to both prospective mentors and mentees, it’s this: Remain teachable and don’t forget that you don’t have to navigate your career alone. Mentorship, in all its forms, can provide the support, wisdom and connection that transforms not only your career but also your life.
Dr. Shafer is the founder of
Shafer Vision Institute in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Characteristics of a Mentor-Mentee Relationship
According to Dr. Rowen, effective mentors possess several key characteristics, including patience, selflessness and a genuine desire to level up the practice of ophthalmology. Good mentors are also adept at transmitting their knowledge and skills, whether it’s through teaching surgical techniques or offering career advice. Dr. Katz adds that mentors should be willing to take time out of their schedules — professional and personal — to share advice, guidance and opportunities.
“It’s about being selfless and wanting to elevate others,” he notes.
On the flip side, a good mentee is eager to learn and has specific goals and questions. “A good mentee should be proactive, respectful and willing to absorb and apply the knowledge shared by their mentor,” Dr. Katz points out.
Dr. Rowen emphasizes a willingness to learn and the ability to accept constructive criticism. “They have to be willing to take constructive criticism or constructive advice. Be willing to learn and be willing to practice,” she says. This openness to feedback is essential for growth, whether it’s improving surgical skills or enhancing communication abilities.
At its most foundational, the relationship between a mentor and mentee should be balanced and dynamic.
“There has to be a balance of the right timing and appropriate questions,” Dr. Katz explains. While mentees should show initiative, mentors should also be approachable and willing to share their knowledge. This relationship can evolve over time, adapting to the changing needs and goals of the mentee.
The Broader Benefits of Mentorship
A successful mentoring relationship is ultimately one of giving and receiving, with significant benefits for both sides. For mentors, it’s an opportunity to give back and ensure the continued excellence of their field, Dr. Rowen says, while for mentees, it’s a chance to learn from the best and achieve their full potential.
“It’s the opportunity to give back and experience the joy of seeing their mentees succeed,” Dr. Katz adds. “For mentees, it’s a chance to learn, grow and achieve their full potential in the field of ophthalmology.”
Mentorship in ophthalmology, moreover, extends beyond individual career development. It also has a direct impact on patient care and outcomes.
“Good communication skills, which we emphasize in our program, improve the doctor-patient relationship,” Dr. Katz notes, adding that by “filling the gaps” left by traditional training, mentorship programs like CEDARS/ASPENS help create well-rounded, successful ophthalmologists.
A Life of Learning
Mentorship in ophthalmology is not limited to the early stages of a career. Every ophthalmologist, regardless of their experience level, can benefit from mentorship, Dr. Rowen says.
“We all continue to be mentored. I have a female colleague who I met in Baltimore. She had joined a practice I was in, but I had gone out on my own. And then I met her [at a conference], and we became very, very good friends,” she shares, adding that the ongoing exchange of knowledge and experience ensures continuous improvement and adaptation to new advancements in the field.
Dr. Katz observes that the ultimate value of mentorship lies in its profound importance in developing well-rounded and successful ophthalmologists. Dr. Rowen adds that programs like CEDARS/ASPENS are instrumental in shaping future leaders of the specialty.
“The next generation is amazing. We can continue to teach and share with each other. I’ve learned from other people that are younger. I’m like, ‘Oh, my, I never knew that.’ And then I can incorporate that into my way of surgery. If you go to a meeting and you come home with one major pearl, one major new thing, and you incorporate that into your practice each time, you will just get better and better and better,’” she says. OM
