Match Day 2025:
Meet the Emory Eye Center Residents
Meet the six ophthalmology residents joining the Emory Eye Center in 2026, discover why they chose this specialty and what makes Atlanta the perfect new home base.
About the residency program
Each year, the Emory Department of Ophthalmology welcomes six exceptional medical school graduates into its competitive residency program, creating a dynamic cohort of 24 residents. First-year residents embark on their internship at the Emory School of Medicine, while the remaining residents are immersed in hands-on training, receiving active mentorship from the department’s distinguished clinical and research faculty.
The department’s academic framework follows the Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and is guided by the rigorous policies and procedures of the Emory School of Medicine.
Graduates of the Emory Eye Center’s residency program emerge with a comprehensive foundation in ophthalmology. Many top residents continue to refine their expertise by pursuing advanced training in subspecialties, with a select group gaining acceptance into the Emory Eye Center fellowship program.
The Ophthalmology Residency Curriculum
The ophthalmic residency curriculum at Emory Eye Center encompasses an integrated program of didactics, multiple rounds, teaching consults, and subspecialty conferences.
The program is made up of:
K’Mani Blyden
Hometown: St. Croix, USVI and North Georgia
I’m excited to train at the very place that first sparked my passion for ophthalmology. I look forward to reconnecting with incredible mentors, building new relationships as I learn ocular surgery and medicine, and honing my skills to provide exceptional care.
- B.S. Chemistry and Biology from Emory University
- MD from Medical College of Georgia
On Atlanta: I lived in Atlanta during undergrad and grew up nearby in north metro Atlanta, but I never fully experienced everything the city has to offer. I’m excited to discover new food spots and enjoy the vibrant music scene.
On Ophthalmology: I’m fascinated by the eye’s beautifully niche complexities and drawn to ophthalmology’s ability to combine innovative procedures and surgeries with life-changing impacts on patients. The field also offers amazing opportunities for both learning and teaching, which are passions of mine.
Riley Duke
Hometown: Oak Grove, AL
I look forward to working with incredible co-residents and faculty to serve patients from all walks of life, and I know the breadth of clinical and surgical training will best prepare me for future practice.
- B.S. in Biology, The University of Alabama
- MS in Biomedical and Health Sciences, UAB
- MD from UAB Heersink School of Medicine
On moving to Atlanta: I am new to Atlanta, but my wife grew up here! I cannot wait to experience “big city” life, like the food scene, Braves games, and exploring outdoor spaces with my wife and baby girl. It helps that my brother and sister-in-law are here with our nephews, so all the time spent with them will be a blessing!
On Ophthalmology: I chose ophthalmology for many reasons but in short, I love the hands-on approach one can take in clinic and the operating room to help patients, and preserving vision is as beautiful as it is thought-provoking.
Harrison Huang
Hometown: Johns Creek, GA
I look forward to getting exceptional clinical and surgical training while also getting to work with wonderful co-residents and faculty! I'm also excited to be going back home near my family.
- B.A. Classics from University of Georgia
- MPH in Epidemiology from University of Georgia
- MD from Wake Forest University School of Medicine
On Atlanta: I was born and raised outside of Atlanta in Johns Creek! My favorite thing to do here is explore the varied and excellent food scene in all the different neighborhoods Atlanta has to offer.
On Ophthalmology: I chose ophthalmology because I have a tremendous impact on my patients' lives whether that be through a quick surgery like cataract surgery or by slowly walking with them for years through chronic conditions. In addition, ophthalmology's blend of fast-paced clinics, surgeries, and constantly evolving technologies makes me excited to get to work.
Alison Martin
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
I look forward to staying at this institution that I've grown to love, with amazing people! And, of course, GRADY!
- B.A. Neuroscience, minor French from Dartmouth College
- MD from Emory University School of Medicine
On Atlanta: My favorite Atlanta activities are going to a drive-in movie at Starlight, games/bowling at the Painted Pin, walking through Lullwater, and going to the Wuxtry record store.
On Ophthalmology: I love the connection between the eyes and the brain, the ability to change the lives of both kids and adults, having both clinic and surgery (and really cool/fun/diverse surgeries!), the opportunities for outreach in underserved communities, and of course the amazing people!
Michel Shahid
Hometown: Charleston, SC
I look forward to meeting my co-residents!
- B.A. Biochemistry from Ave Maria University
- MD from University of South Carolina School of Medicine
On moving to Atlanta: I'm new to Atlanta! Looking forward to attending Falcons and Braves games.
On Ophthalmology: I chose Ophthalmology because my brother had to have strabismus surgery growing up and I wanted to help patients in similar situations.
Natalie Sullivan
Hometown: Jackson, TN
I look forward to all the opportunities that Emory has to offer, including resident-run clinics, faculty dedicated to teaching, a diverse and underserved patient population, and a warm, welcoming family-like culture!
- BSc Biology, minor in Public Health, from University of Georgia
- MD from University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine
On moving to Atlanta: I am new to Atlanta but not to the state of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). I am looking forward to exploring the food scene, shopping, and workout studios with my co-residents and UGA friends that live in Atlanta.
On Ophthalmology: I chose ophthalmology because I wanted the opportunity to work with patients long-term but also be able to manage acute problems and to offer both medical and surgical interventions to my patients. I also love the variety of patients and that you can see a lot of ophthalmic pathology with your own eyes using a slit lamp or indirect.
To learn more:
Please visit Ophthalmic Residency Program, Emory Department of Ophthalmology and Emory University
About this story: Published Feb 11, 2025. Written and designed by Ruby Katz.
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