Los Angeles, CA — Anne Colman M.D., Ph.D., chair and executive medical director of the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology and director of the UCLA Stein Eye Institute, invited Vinit Mahajan M.D., Ph.D., professor and vice chair of research at Stanford’s Ophthalmology department, to give an inspirational talk to the UCLA residents at their annual retreat.
Mahajan’s talk “Life Lessons from the Stein” was a serious reflection steeped in humor of his time at Stein as a former Stein resident and one of UCLA’s first Eye Star fellows. He attributes much of his success as a surgeon scientist to the program’s immersive, intensive environment and the broad mentorship he received.
Mahajan said, “I appreciate each of the faculty who took the time to train and teach me how to deliver the highest quality of care. Whether it was in cataract, retina, or oncoplastic surgery, the faculty were an inspiration and set a high bar.”
He really appreciated the example set by Joseph Demer M.D., PhD., Director of the Eye Star program.
Mahajan said, “Balancing the demands of research, clinical care, and surgery is challenging, but the integration of these fields is crucial in the quest for groundbreaking therapies for hard-to-treat eye diseases. Finding strong mentors like Dr. Demer who can help you on whatever path you choose is very important.”
He continued, “As I navigated my career, I relied on the advice of former Chairman Dr. Mondino M.D. and current Chairwoman Dr. Coleman and still do to this day. They were generous with their support, time, and insights. It was an honor to be asked to pass along some of the things I’ve learned to a new generation of eye surgeons.”
As a mentor to post docs, medical students, residents, and junior faculty, Mahajan knows the trainees who listen more than they talk, say yes, and act are the ones who will exceed expectations and move the field forward.
“At UCLA I learned there is no problem that can’t be solved, that surgery can be creative, that it is critical to support your whole team, and that there is no single, ideal career path that has the most impact on patient care. I learned the importance of being professional and fighting for your patients,” explained Mahajan. “I loved the passion and intensity and seemingly endless work schedule at Stein, and it is a privilege to say I trained there.”
“There will always be someone who says you can’t do this and you can’t do that. But you have to believe in yourself and take chances,” emphasized Mahajan. “And if you work hard, there are faculty that will back you up forever.”