Mariya Moosajee
The Power List 2019 – Champions of Change
Mariya Moosajee
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London; Associate Professor and Wellcome Trust Beit Prize Clinical Research Career Development Fellow, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
What is the best part of being an ophthalmologist?
Every day, I try to make a positive difference for patients and their families, whether that be through the dissemination of knowledge, empathy or research breakthroughs. I love being a clinician-scientist at the cutting-edge of genomic ophthalmology; I provide the best possible care to my patients, and then step across into the laboratory with my amazing research team to undertake innovative experiments that lead to therapeutic advancement and clinical translation.
What has been the pivotal moment of your career?
Being the first ophthalmologist to be awarded the prestigious Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Development Fellowship, along with the Wellcome Trust Beit Prize, which promotes the advancement of medicine and allied sciences. It is presented to the best overall fellowship across all medical and scientific disciplines.
Who are your ophthalmic heroes?
Sir Prof Peng Khaw for his leadership and graciousness, Prof Andrew Webster for his integrity and intelligence and Prof Birgit Lorenz for being formidable and pioneering.
Any advice for those following in your footsteps?
Be true to yourself, be generous with your time to help others, and gain your own merit. Lead by example, and most importantly, always do the right thing.
