Meet the class (COPY) (COPY)
Match Day 2024: Meet the Emory Eye Center Fellows
Meet the nine ophthalmologists joining our subspecialty fellowships next year, plus our two returning fellows and three 2nd-year fellows who are staying on for another year with the Emory Department of Ophthalmology.
About the fellowship programs
Emory’s Department of Ophthalmology is dedicated to training the next generation of ophthalmic specialists and researchers. Incoming fellows train alongside established experts in nine subspecialties, playing a significant role in both healthcare delivery and research.
Each year, the Emory Eye Center accepts between 12 and 14 ophthalmologists for fellowship positions across nine subspecialties. The Neuro-Ophthalmology section offers an additional fellowship—the International Clinical Research Fellowship—where candidates are screened and evaluated on an individual basis. Post-doctoral research fellowships are handled through the Emory Research Division.
For most Emory Eye Center fellowships, the selection process begins the previous year, between June and September, when the Selection Committee begins reviewing applications. Final candidates are typically invited for in-person or remote interviews later in the fall.
The 9 ophthalmology specialty fellowships
Dr. Madhuri Akella | Neuro-ophthalmology
Hometown: New Delhi, India
I look forward to fine-tuning my diagnostic skills, learning about the management of complex neuro-ophthalmic disease conditions and collaborating on research projects alongside an exciting team of mentors and colleagues.
- M.D. from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
- Residency at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
- Glaucoma Fellowship at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
On moving to Atlanta: I'm looking forward to exploring the Atlanta BeltLine, enjoying its vibrant art, parks, and local culture, and treating myself to some of Jeni's Ice Cream along the way!
On Neuro-ophthalmology: My decision to pursue ophthalmology was strongly influenced by the need to address irreversible yet preventable blindness. I am particularly interested in understanding the connections between the visual and nervous system to solve the puzzle of differential diagnosis and ensure patient-centered care.
Dr. Pooja Parthasarathi |Neuro-ophthalmology
Hometown: Bangalore, India
I am most excited about the exceptional mentorship and the extensive clinical experience that Emory offers.
- M.D. and residency in ophthalmology at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
On moving to Atlanta: I am looking forward to exploring its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant culinary scene.
On neuro-ophthalmology: I chose neuro-ophthalmology because it uniquely bridges ophthalmology and neurology, enabling collaborative treatment of complex cases. I was also deeply inspired by the supportive culture at NANOS, which resonates with my professional values.
Dr. James Valeixo | Inpatient Ophthalmology Hospital Medicine
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
I'm looking forward to continuing my ophthalmology learning, as we are always learning from patients and fellow ophthalmologists.
- M.D. from the Faculdade Tecnico Educacional Souza Marques.
- Military medical service, the Brazilian Army.
- Ophthalmology training from the Pontifícia Universidade Catolica (PUC) do Rio de Janeiro and Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro.
- Fellowship in cataract surgery at COSC (Cirurgia Ocular São Cristóvão).
- Fellowship in Glaucoma at Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte.
On moving to Atlanta: Knowing that Atlanta is a big city, I want to explore the various tourist attractions and also experience local traditions, as well as outdoor activities with my family (my children love outdoor activities).
On Inpatient Ophthalmology Hospital Medicine: I chose ophthalmology because I was fascinated by the incredible engineering behind the act of seeing, how the human eye is a fascinating machine, and how rewarding it is to restore the vision of a patient with vision impairment.
Dr. Tochukwu Ndukwe | Glaucoma
Hometown: Detroit, MI
I am most looking forward to the Surgical mentorship!
- B.S. at the University of Michigan
- M.D. at the University of Michigan Medical School
- Residency at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary
On Atlanta: My wife and I enjoy taking walks to enjoy the beautiful weather in Atlanta since the weather is so much better than previous cities we have lived!
On Glaucoma: I chose Glaucoma due to my interests in health equity. Health equity is especially important in glaucoma since it disproportionately affects Black and Latinx communities, who often present in more advanced stages of disease. I believe that this subspecialty truly resonates with my passion to pay it forward to communities that have been traditionally underserved. Glaucoma interests me due to my fascination with the clinical challenge of diagnosing and managing this complex disease.
Dr. Elizabeth Pogrebniak| Glaucoma
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
I am looking forward to working with a diverse patient population, learning from a broad number of attending glaucoma specialists, and expanding my surgical skills, including taking care of pediatric glaucoma patients.
- B.S. Business Analytics from the College of William and Mary, summa cum laude
- M.D. at Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Ophthalmology residency at the University of South Carolina
On moving to Atlanta: I have visited Atlanta several times, but this will be my first time living in the area. I am looking forward to exploring the city and its culture. I am already a fan of the Georgia Aquarium, and I definitely plan to check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden (I hope they have sunflowers, which are my favorite flower).
On Glaucoma: I chose glaucoma because I would like to help people navigate what can be a devastating disease. There is still a great deal of work to be done in understanding and treating glaucoma, and I am excited to contribute to this effort.
Dr. Claudia Amaral Marrero | Pediatrics
Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
I am looking forward to continuing my medical training at Emory and learning from the incredible pediatric ophthalmology faculty here!
- B.S. at Haverford College
- M.D. at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
- Internship and Residency at Emory University
On Atlanta: I have been living in Atlanta for 3 years and love it! My favorite thing to do in town is to explore the different restaurants and stores along the Atlanta Beltline.
On Pediatrics: I chose pediatric ophthalmology because it will allow me to build the skills I need to care for young patients with a variety of ocular conditions. I love how broad this subspecialty is and find it an honor to dedicate my life to helping children and their families. And there is never a dull moment when working with kids!
Dr. Catherine Zhu| Medical Retina
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI and Hilton Head, SC
I'm most looking forward to learning from the exceptional mentors at Emory and building lasting relationships!
- B.S. in Life Science Informatics & Biomolecular Science from the University of Michigan
- M.D. at Boston University
- Residency training at Boston University/Boston Medical Center
On moving to Atlanta: My parents have lived in Atlanta for a couple years now, but I've only explored bits and pieces of the city during short visits. I'm excited to explore the food and drink scene, both in the city and the diverse surrounding suburbs.
On Medical Retina: I like the intricacies of a thorough retina exam, the insights from different imaging modalities, and their integration to aid in complex diagnoses. Also, getting to shoot lasers is a cool bonus!
Dr. Dallin Milner| Surgical Retina
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
My mentor at Colorado had trained in vitreoretinal surgery at Emory. I am most looking forward to learning from his surgical and clinical mentors.
- Neuroscience BA from Brigham Young University
- Medical School at the University of Colorado
- Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Colorado
On moving to Atlanta: My family will be new to Atlanta. We are most excited about making new friends, exploring the amazing food, and getting a break from cold winters.
On Surgical Retina: I chose ophthalmology to help preserve and restore vision for my patients. I decided to become a vitreoretinal surgeon because I am fascinated by the complexity of the exam, the imaging tools available, and the variety of surgery. I also love that our field is pioneering gene therapy, which feels like science fiction.
Dr. Wyatt Smith| Surgical Retina
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
I am most looking forward to learning how to perform vitreoretinal surgery from the amazing faculty at the Emory Eye Center and to act as primary surgeon for the patients at Grady Memorial Hospital.
- B.S. Sociology from the University of Notre Dame.
- M.D. from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Charles R. Drew Medical Education Program.
- Ophthalmology resident in the Weill Cornell - New York Presbyterian Ophthalmology Residency Program.
On moving to Atlanta: I have visited Atlanta a few times but this will be my first time living there! I am really excited to check out the music scene and attend as many concerts as possible.
On Surgical Retina: I chose to become a retina surgeon to improve access to vitreoretinal services for underserved communities and to be able to provide excellent care to patients with complex and advanced levels of disease, especially due to poor socioeconomic status.
I’m looking forward to staying at Emory for another year of training to continue building my ophthalmologic skills and knowledge. Plus getting to be with all of the wonderful people of the Emory Eye Center!
Returning Fellows
Dr. Brian Bowden| Cornea
Dr. Abdelrahman Anter | Cornea
I look forward honing my clinical and surgical skills and knowledge in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.
2nd-Year Fellows
Jamie Prince | Surgical Retina
John Thompson | Oculofacial Plastic Surgery
Christian Leal | Surgical Retina
To learn more:
Please visit Ophthalmic Fellowships, Emory Department of Ophthalmology and Emory University
About this story: Published Dec. 17, 2024. Written and designed by Ruby Katz.
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