Thomas A. Oetting
The Power List 2019 – Mentors
Thomas A Oetting
Rudy and Margaret Perez Professor of Ophthalmology Education, University of Iowa, USA.
Who have been your mentors?
My two chairmen: Thomas Weingeist and Keith Carter. My practice partner Tim Johnson. My educational role models: Andy Lee and Lee Alward. In my personal life it is my brilliant, altruistic wife, Marguerite Oetting.
What was the luckiest break of your career?
Luckiest break was 20 years ago when Laura Pitlick was assigned to be my assistant. Best break was when Laura and I were given the chance to lead the Residency Program at Iowa.
What would be a piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
Trust yourself, maybe. Follow the money, maybe. Network more, maybe. Eat fewer cookies, for sure.
What’s the best part of being an ophthalmologist?
The best part has to be watching our residents grow and develop. Of course, we are so lucky to be able to help our patients so quickly, and so profoundly. But helping residents develop those skills is really fun. Although the problem is that they graduate and leave Iowa City.
