This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

Residency is a defining and formative time for an ophthalmologist in training. Arriving on the first day of residency orientation is a culmination of years of work, commitment, and deep consideration to dedicate oneself to becoming an ophthalmic surgeon. Reflecting on my own experience, here are 5 important lessons I gleaned from my 4 years of training:

1. Humility. Ophthalmic training can be a very humbling experience. The lingo, foundational knowledge, exam skills, and microsurgical maneuvering required to succeed are completely foreign to most residency matriculants. A little humility (and perseverance) goes a long way, especially in those first arduous months of residency.
2. Respect. We all stand on the shoulders of giants. Success and failure from the past have driven the field to where it stands today. Recognizing this fact garners respect for those who teach the next generation of eye surgeons.
3. Confidence. In those first months of residency, it can be difficult to feel confident when communicating with attendings or examining difficult patients. Experience builds confidence, and with every month of residency that passes, the confidence felt and expressed by a trainee strengthens their relationships with patients, colleagues, and mentors.
4. Adaptability. Learning under the wing of many teachers can allow a trainee to examine many differing paths to achieve the same therapeutic outcome. Getting out of one’s comfort zone to model techniques or approaches from a variety of attendings is an excellent way to become a well-rounded surgeon.
5. Empathy. The many tribulations of patients, especially those witnessed in those first years of training, can stick with a trainee. A culmination of these difficult patient stories implicitly teaches how to heal with compassion.

My journey through residency provided me exponential growth in knowledge, judgement, and maturity. The lessons I learned not only helped me get through my training, but they have stuck with me throughout my career and have made me a better physician and surgeon.