July 2nd, 2022
Episode 27: Dr. Marianeli Rodriguez, MD PhD
A discussion on
“Women in Vitreoretinal Surgery & The Impact of Roe vs. Wade Repeal on Ophthalmology”
Dr. Marianeli Rodriguez, MD PhD
Join us for an important discussion with Dr. Marianeli Rodriguez MD PhD, who is a vitreoretinal surgeon. In this episode, we go over the path of vitreoretinal surgery as a woman physician and the significant impact the current ruling has on female ophthalmology patients. It may appear that Ophthalmology is a secluded branch of medicine, unaffected by other organ systems and thus unfazed by many changes of healthcare. But in this episode, we will learn that that assumption cannot be further from the truth.
Dr. Rodriguez is a practicing surgeon at Vitreoretinal Associates in Massachusetts. She obtained her MD/PhD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and conducted her ophthalmology residency training at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. She then completed a Vitreoretinal Disease Fellowship from Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
We are excited to have Dr. Rodriguez and learn from her! As we cover this important topic, we are thankful to all physicians who have provided support and concern for their patients in advocacy for protection of their health.
Key discussion points:
Decision to pursue ophthalmology
The path to vitreoretinal surgery
Early exposure in residency
Science
Patients
Growing up in Cuba and coming to the States for undergraduate
Advantages and importance of patient connection
Challenges
Cuban community
Academic vs. Private practice in VR subspecialty
The unique factor: Continuation of research in private practice
Mentorship, clinical trials
Challenges of entering VR as a women physician
Never a right time to have children in medicine!
Importance of being in a practice that is supportive and values you!
Impact of Roe vs. Wade Repeal on Ophthalmology
“We don’t practice ophthalmology in a vacuum”
Intricate relationship of the eye and systemic issues
Diabetic retinopathy worsening in pregnant patients
Treatment offering are also limited depending on status of pregnancy (ie., anti-vegf agents are contraindicated in first trimester)
Eclampsia, preeclampsia = retinal vein occlusion, hypertensive retinopathy
It should be a woman’s choice with regards to their health
Impact on low socioeconomic and disadvantaged communities
Single working mothers, women of color are more vulnerable
How can Ophthalmology as a group advocate for the rights of their patients?
Discussion is important.
We are physicians first and advocates for our patients first. We chose this path.
Cuban physician community
Being a cuban in retina
What would you have told your younger self pursuing retina?
“Do not give up!” “As long as you’re hard working…people are going to appreciate you and will help you.”
Episode-based Resources: