For this month's YO Spotlight, (provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology) we talked to Krishna Kishor, MD, an alum of Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia and recipient of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology's Michael R. Redmond Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Award. Dr. Kishor did his fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Fla., where he is still in academic practice. Dr. Kishor will be a panelist in the joint Secretariat for State Affairs/YO Committee 2011 Annual Meeting session, Welcome to the Real World of Ophthalmology: Reality 101 for Residents and Fellows. He talked to YO Info about helping veterans and the benefits of instant gratification.

Why did you become an ophthalmologist?
I became an ophthalmologist because I enjoyed being able to take care of patients clinically as well as surgically.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I see about 40 percent comprehensive and 60 percent glaucoma patients on any given day. A typical day is a mix of clinic, mentoring fellows and administrative duties. I also have one OR day each week.

What do you like most about the organization/health system/region where you practice?
Being in academic ophthalmology allows me to keep up-to-date on the latest clinical research. I enjoy the camaraderie and participating in a “team” atmosphere.
Additionally, being at a tertiary referral center, I am presented with difficult and interesting pathology and treatment challenges. It keeps me on my toes.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am currently setting up the glaucoma division at our local VA hospital. My hope is it will soon be a place where excellent glaucoma care will be provided for veterans.

What is the best piece of advice you have gotten?
Figure out where you want to live first!

What advice would you give to a resident?
In ophthalmology, unlike other specialties, we can see the pathology directly. Therefore, to communicate well with our colleagues as well as the patients, we must perform an excellent exam.
Though our field has advanced greatly, thanks to imaging and photography, etc., there is still no substitute for a comprehensive exam and a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms. A resident should be proficient with the exam and comfortable with the equipment in order to fully understand different disease processes.

What do you find fulfilling about your career in ophthalmology?
There are many aspects of my job that I enjoy. However, one of the best is the ability to do cataract surgery. When a patient goes from hardly seeing due to a cataract to seeing well with or without glasses, there is instant gratification.