March 18, 2023
(Note: Recording conducted February 1st)
Episode 34: Dr. Jullia A. Rosdahl, MD PhD
A discussion on
“Mentorship and Patient Education”
Striving for qualities that make a good doctor great!
Video
Audio
Dr. Jullia A. Rosdahl, MD PhD
We are excited to host Dr. Jullia A Rosdahl, MD PhD today to share a new topic on what it means to be a great patient advocate and medical student mentor.
Dr. Rosdahl is a glaucoma specialist and associate professor of ophthalmology at the Duke Eye Center. She obtained her medical degree and PhD from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Thereafter, she attended the prestigious Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for her Ophthalmology residency training. She was brought to Duke by her glaucoma fellowship and has been a strong Duke supporter ever since!
As a glaucoma specialist, Dr. Rosdahl has published in several journals and has focused on health promotions and medical education. She has authored several patient education resources such as ‘Outlook’ which can be found through the National Eye Health Education Program. We are excited to have her!
Key discussion points:
What attracted you to Ophthalmology?
The role of MD/PhD
Importance of mentorship
Qualities to look for
How to navigate your MD/PhD
Live in the present and focus on the current step based on your interest and the type of people you like working with
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Personal life should continue to evolve.
Interests in Ophthalmology
Interest in retinal ganglion cells —> led to glaucoma.
Patient Education
Lifestyle modifications
Social determinants of health
Clinical side of patient engagement
Treat the patient-physician relationship as a partnership.
Find strategies that the patients find work well for them. The physician acts as a facilitator.
Authorship of ‘Outlook’
NEHEP: National Eye Health Education Program
Got involved in 2014, then joined the planning group in 2015.
Then 2020, served as chair
Involves being a subject-matter expert, doing webinars, and many other social media awareness activities!
Podcast with ‘Hadley’ - which develops resources for individuals suffering from low-vision.
Monthly glaucoma chats through ‘Brightfocus’
Challenges in glaucoma
Lot of medications do have generic options.
Programs from drug companies to help low-income patients with some of the newer branded products.
Solution: partner with the patient
Cost is a big hurdle.
EyeCare America Program
AGS Cares for surgical assistance
Medicare and Medicaid do cover eye exams
Getting mentorship in ophthalmology as a medical student
Finding people who did things that helped you in unexpected ways.
Dr. Suber Wong, MD
Dr. Teresa Chen, MD
Be ready and lucky
Becoming a great doctor for our patients
Self-care is important first and foremost.
Create a mission statement of what you want to do with your life.
Just do it, don’t try to be perfect.
Hobby!
Yarn work
Girl Scout hats
Episode-based Resources: