Eyeworld

DECEMBER 2023 | EYEWORLD | 3 by Jeff Pettey, MD Clinical Vice Chair Moran Eye Center University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Finding myself in the same room as these visionaries was humbling and exhilarating. Considering lessons learned in global ophthal- mology, I've received far more than I've offered in return. From mentors like Bonnie Hender- son, MD, and Susan MacDonald, MD, to Geoff Tabin, MD, and Sanduk Ruit, MD, it has been a rich classroom for humility, humanism, and eye health. While I wish I could claim some grand plan that led me to global ophthalmolo- gy, truth be told, it was as much serendipity as strategy—a culmination of opportunities and a willingness to take a less clear path. Whether you've just matched into ophthal- mology or you are wrapping up a career and seeking more impact, we need everyone in the room. From international to global Entering the domain of global eye health can seem daunting, often clouded with uncertain- ties. The lingering question is almost always, "How do I start?" However, the answer might be closer than we think. Over the years, we've witnessed a paradigm shift from purely inter- national to global ophthalmology. The latter is inclusive of our local communities as part of the equation. The world of global eye health beckons, sometimes not across oceans but in your backyard. Beyond competence: embracing cultural humility The notion of cultural competence is lofty, hint- ing at an endpoint of understanding. But the truth is, understanding cultures is a journey, not a destination. In the realm of global eye health, the role of a surgeon transcends the confines of the operating room. As partner surgeons, we are invited into communities with their rich tapestries of beliefs, practices, and values. While our expertise in ophthalmology may be vast, it's crucial to approach our partners, recognizing that we are guests in their world. When we ap- proach our partners with an understanding that we have as much to learn as we offer, we find the synergies to magnify our impact together. Much of how we approach our current practice of ophthal- mology is based on what we have learned from our prior experiences. Along the way, we have struggles, complications, and many successes. All of these experiences help shape how we approach our next patient. This issue of EyeWorld focuses on "lessons learned," and I have invited a great teacher and friend Jeff Pettey, MD, to share his perspectives on lessons learned from his career thus far and how this impacts his outlook on how he approaches the care of patients both domesti- cally and abroad. —Sumit "Sam" Garg, MD Chief Medical Editor A s the legendary Alan Crandall, MD, and David F. Chang, MD, held a phaco masterclass for our Guatema- lan partners, I set up a small MSICS table in the corner to shorten the growing line of surgery patients for the day. Still in the early months of my career, I repeated the mantras imprinted on me by mentors past. Slow is fast, quiet hands, and Alan's favorite, "Don't be nervous, I can fix anything you mess up." As the day progressed, a funny thing hap- pened: One line formed for Alan and David, and a second, with the most advanced cataracts, for my MSICS table. Although the skill gap between these stalwarts and me was never in question, I couldn't help but smile, knowing, at least for that day, the easy cases went to Alan and David. Lessons learned in global ophthalmology continued on page 11 Contact Pettey: jeff.pettey@hsc.utah.edu LESSONS LEARNED Throughout this issue, look for the "Lessons Learned" boxes with tips from EyeWorld Editorial Board members and contributing physicians on what they have done to "level up" in their practice.

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