The graduating class of 2023 ophthalmology residents at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine began their residency in the throes of a pandemic. They had to learn new protocols and new techniques to meet the times, including screening patients in negative pressure exam rooms and using personal protective equipment, such as full-body gowns, n95 respirators and face shields. They also had to cope with a tremendous loss, as their beloved program coordinator died unexpectedly in the middle of their residency. Now, three years later, through adversity and perseverance, they are ready to take on the world, providing top-notch eye care to communities across the country.

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Shazia Dharssi

What is something you learned at Wilmer?
I have learned many things throughout my time at Wilmer, both from faculty members as well as each of my patients. Through direct interactions with my patients, I have acquired a deeper understanding of the human aspect to ophthalmology and the impact that eye conditions have on individuals’ lives.

What most impressed you about Wilmer?
During my residency, I was extremely impressed and inspired by the unwavering commitment and profound passion displayed by the faculty members at Wilmer in teaching ophthalmology. Their dedication to imparting knowledge and shaping the next generation of ophthalmologists is truly commendable.

What was your best experience at Wilmer?
My best experience at Wilmer was witnessing the profound and positive impact I’ve made in someone’s life through the restoration of their vision. Being able to witness the transformative effect that clear sight has on a patient’s daily life, from the simplest tasks to experiencing the world with newfound clarity, is truly remarkable and deeply fulfilling. It reinforced my passion for ophthalmology, and highlighted the immense importance of the work we do in improving the quality of life for those we serve.

What’s next for you?
I will be staying and completing a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery here at Wilmer

What will you miss about your residency experience at Wilmer?
I will miss my incredible co-residents. These individuals have been more than just colleagues; they have become my second family, and have shared the highs and lows of this journey. We have celebrated each other’s successes, supported one another through difficult moments and relied on each other for guidance and encouragement. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

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Leangelo Hall

What is something you learned at Wilmer?
I learned so much at Wilmer, but I am most grateful that I learned how to take care of patients in a compassionate manner.

What most impressed you about Wilmer?
I was most impressed by the great deal of kindness and generosity of people at Wilmer. We work with so many giants in the field who consistently dedicate their time to answer our questions and guide us to become better doctors and surgeons. It was refreshing to be met with kindness every day in the workplace and the feeling that faculty wanted to advance our education. I felt that people at Wilmer cared about me not just as a resident, but as a person, and I am extremely grateful for that.

What was your best experience at Wilmer?
My best experience was taking care of my continuity clinic patients for three years during my residency. It was a pleasure getting to know my patients as people and learning how I could use that knowledge to help them make health care decisions. When it came time for some of them to get cataract surgery, I was honored that they specifically requested I do the surgery. It was a privilege to be with them before, during and after surgery.

What’s next for you?
I am excited to be pursuing a glaucoma fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What will you miss about Wilmer?
The people — my faculty mentors, my co-residents, the technicians and my patients. I have learned a great deal from all of them, and hope I can pay it all forward.

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Mustafa Iftikhar

What is something you learned at Wilmer? 
Wilmer taught me how to go above and beyond when advocating for my patients and to always strive to advance the field of ophthalmology. 

What most impressed you about Wilmer? 
The passion and dedication exhibited by everyone at Wilmer, from faculty to staff, in providing exceptional patient care and constantly pushing the boundaries of the field. 

What was your best experience at Wilmer? 
My best experience at Wilmer was the resident continuity clinic, where I had the privilege of caring for my patients as their primary ophthalmologist. I have several patients whom I have followed since my first year in clinic, and many of them have referred their friends and family members to my care. The ability to form such lasting and impactful relationships is an especially rewarding part of the Wilmer residency. 

What’s next for you? 
I am excited to do my vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Duke Eye Center. 

What will you miss about Wilmer? 
I will miss all the people who have defined my Wilmer experience: the incredible faculty, the wonderful clinic and OR staff, and my amazing co-residents. 

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Aaron Priluck

What is something you learned at Wilmer?
I learned that there is a lot to know to be a great ophthalmologist! I grew more than I could have imagined during these last three years here, particularly from the depth of knowledge and surgical expertise of my mentors.

What most impressed you about Wilmer?
The dedication of faculty to not only patient care and research, but also to teaching has impressed me the most. I feel very fortunate to have worked with and learned from giants in our field. The faculty is dedicated to ensuring we will be able to provide excellent care for our future patients.

What was your best experience at Wilmer?
While it is hard to choose a single experience, I cherished the reaction of one of my patients to his cataract surgery. The morning after surgery, as soon as I removed his eye patch, he exclaimed he could see, and began finding anything in the exam room with words on it and reading them.

What’s next for you?
I am excited to start my glaucoma fellowship here at Wilmer.

What will you miss about being a resident at Wilmer?
I will miss the relationships and collaboration with my co-residents and chief residents. I learned so much from working with everyone around me.

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Loka Thangamathesvaran

What is something you learned at Wilmer?
I learned how to holistically care for patients. Every patient has a story, and it is our job as physicians to help unravel the story and provide the best care we can that fits with the patient’s needs.

What most impressed you about Wilmer?
The mentors and how much support you receive from your attendings. I also love our support staff, both in clinic and in the OR. They are family.

What was your best experience at Wilmer?
I have had a lot of wonderful experiences at Wilmer, but growing with my co-residents and forming lifelong relationships with them have been some of the best.

What’s next for you?
I will be staying here for my vitreoretinal surgery fellowship.

What are you most looking forward to as a fellow at Wilmer?
I am lucky to be staying here for two more years, and hope to continue growing and learning.