Ophthalmologists and the Outside World

Eye surgeons don’t operate in a vacuum – neither literally nor figuratively. They tend not to practice medicine when they leave their workplace at the end of the day. But what goes on in the rest of a surgeon’s life still broadens knowledge, expands horizons, and provides new experiences – some of which filter into how they practice medicine. Howard Fine is a great exemplar of taking advantage of an outside influence; his love of orchestral music – and interest in how conductors martial their musicians – had a real impact on how he ran his operating theater.

Of course, the converse is also true: the process of becoming an ophthalmologist, then practicing it over a career, equips people with a whole gamut of skills that are applicable to many activities outside of the clinic. A case in point is Günther Grabner, who in retirement transitioned from practicing medicine to practicing archaeology. Here, he shares how knowledge and experience gained in the lecture theater, wetlabs, and years in the clinic have positively affected his new pastime.

George Beiko is Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University, and currently practices at St Catharine’s in Toronto specializing in cataract, anterior segment and refractive surgery. George also lectures at the University of Toronto.

Creating Your Own Masterpiece, with Howard Fine

Ophthalmology’s Indiana Jones, with GÜNTHER Grabner

Retirement done right