Q&A

This month, one of my sons, Mark, who participated in a residency, is guest-writing the introduction, so readers can see the impact these programs have on the profession.

In days long ago, apprenticeships were designed to train the future of any given trade. These roles have evolved with the times and grown to include more specialized skills.

Today’s optometric residents are gaining insight into the ever-changing healthcare industry. These newly minted doctors are learning from some of the best clinicians across the country.

In a concept traced back to the 12th century, “Standing on the shoulders of giants” is a metaphor that continues to hold true in our profession. The passing of the torch from today’s giants to tomorrow’s pioneers ensures that we are heading in the right direction for our patients.

Growing up in an optometry family allowed us (myself, sister, Brooke, and brother, David) to have a front row seat as the landscape changed in this industry. Without the icons who have been highlighted in previous issues, today’s group would have a different idea of what optometry really means.

In this month’s O.D. Scene, my father interviews additional residents who are across the country in various practice settings. Enjoy!

Mark Schaeffer, O.D.,
Guest Editor-in-Chief
O.D. Scene

RESIDENTS WEIGH IN . . .

MEAGAN LEGRAND, O.D., CHARLIE RONAN, O.D., & DAVID SCHAEFFER, O.D.

Q: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO A RESIDENCY?

ML: During my fourth-year externship training, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of identifying and treating various ocular conditions. I wanted to advance my clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills even more by learning about and co-managing more ocular conditions. I also knew I wanted a challenging, yet supportive, environment at which to refine my skills and become a well-rounded clinician.

CR: Residency was not in my plans, until during externships. I found myself enjoying the logical process of solving patients’ conditions, almost like a puzzle. I realized how humbling the complexity of the eye can be sometimes, so I decided to spend a year furthering my knowledge and experience.

DS: The ability to participate in a residency program allows optometrists to gain more experience with advanced cases, enabling the opportunity to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.

Q: WHERE IS YOUR RESIDENCY?

ML: At Eye Center of Texas, a multi-location ocular disease and surgical care center in the Houston area.

CR: BVA Advanced Eyecare and nJoy Vision, two private practices in Edmond, Okla. and Oklahoma City, respectively.

DS: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.

Q: WHAT KIND OF RESIDENCY ARE YOU DOING?

ML: My residency is in ocular disease and refractive surgery. I participate in the care and co-management of patients in numerous areas, including refractive surgery, glaucoma, anterior segment/corneal disease, cataracts, oculoplastics and vitreoretinal disease.

CR: My residency is in ocular disease and is split between two practices — one with most patients having ocular disease, such as cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disorders and trauma, and the other practice heavy in refractive surgery and keratoconus management.

DS: My residency focuses on ocular disease. I am fortunate to experience a different specialty each day. My week consists of spending one day in these specialties: glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, retina, cornea/ocular surface tumors and primary care.

Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CLINICAL LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED BY DOING A RESIDENCY?

ML: I’ve learned that now is the time to learn and grow, as well as utilize new mentors as much as possible so that I may provide better care to patients. I have also learned the importance of treating the patient as a whole rather than as a pair of eyes.

CR: The doctors at my residency sites teach me the importance of informing the patient of the findings uncovered during examination and educating him or her on the options and the associated risks and benefits.

DS: Take your time, and do it right. Whether it’s charting, ancillary testing or patient education, there is nothing more important than making sure the “I”s are dotted and the “T”s are crossed when it comes to patient care.

Q: HOW DO YOU FEEL THE RESIDENCY EXPERIENCE HAS BENEFITTED YOU AS AN OPTOMETRIST?

ML: Now that I’ve been involved in residency, I’m able to co-manage numerous challenging cases with the help of consulting doctors and surgeons who I already consider great mentors. I have also gained from my opportunities to be involved in didactic education and scholarly collaboration.

CR: The allure of residency to me was being able to manage complicated cases immediately out of school with the help of consulting doctors and surgeons in the office. For me, having the chance to see those same complicated patients at a higher volume allows me to more comfortably manage patients in the future.

DS: I am becoming confident with advanced disease cases that I may not have felt comfortable managing previously. This residency also has allowed me an additional year to learn from some of the most prestigious doctors who have been managing and treating difficult cases nearly every day for decades. I’ve learned quickly that it is one thing to answer questions on a test and a completely different matter to have a patient in your chair.

Q: WHAT ADDITIONAL SKILLS HAVE YOU ACQUIRED DURING YOUR RESIDENCY?

ML: I have gained numerous skills, including the management of an array of emergencies, such as sight-threatening corneal ulcers, when to order appropriate ancillary tests, such as fluorescein angiography, and I have gained a lot of experience in the interpretation of these tests and the determination of necessary treatment and/or medical referral.

CR: Doing a residency in Oklahoma has given me experience with lasers, lid procedures and injections. Halfway through my residency, I will have the unique opportunity to become certified in and perform PRK on patients.

DS: In clinic, my time has been spent fostering skills of efficiency, thoroughness, patience and decision making. The doctors expect a quality of excellence, and they have pushed me to provide that excellence. Outside clinic, I have had more opportunity to build my leadership and public-speaking skills through precepting students, lecturing on specific cases or topics of my choosing and more.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEETING FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION?

ML: The American Academy of Optometry. It enables a variety of ways in which to earn CE credit (poster session, paper session, lectures, etc.) and allows numerous opportunities for networking with colleagues from around the nation. I also enjoy getting to explore a new city each year.

CR: The American Academy of Optometry meeting. This was my first year attending, and I was excited to have the chance to attend. I was also excited to see all my friends, who are also residents, present their posters.

DS: I have enjoyed every meeting I have attended! It’s amazing to see people from all over the country who are interested in the same things in one place. I look forward to seeing some of my optometry school friends when we eventually reunite at future meetings.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME, SPORT OR HOBBY?

ML: I enjoy numerous pastimes, including reading and watching movies, but I also love being outside and enjoying pool time, boating, wakeboarding and jet skiing with my close access to several lakes and beaches in the greater Houston area.

CR: I really enjoy golfing. It’s a sport I picked up in college and has become a big passion of mine. Finding time during residency is sometimes difficult, but it’s always relaxing to get out on the course.

DS: Now that I’m in Miami, I enjoy going to the beach with my wife, Lyndsey, and our pug. There’s nothing like paddle boarding with a pug, especially one equipped with a lifejacket. I also enjoy playing squash when I can find a court.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE, BOOK AND ADULT BEVERAGE?

ML: Movie: “The Notebook;” Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird;” Adult beverage: a Moscow Mule.

CR: Movie: There are just too many I enjoy! Book: “The Emerald Mile;” Adult beverage: whiskey or bourbon, specifically Woodford and Bulleit, in a Whiskey Sour.

DS: Movie: “Varsity Blues;” Book: “A Song of Ice and Fire” (from the Game of Thrones series); Adult beverage: scotch. OM