This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats, their journeys, passions, and the impact they’re making in the field of medicine. Today, we highlight Krishna Mallem, MD.
Incoming Resident: Krishna Mallem, MD
Where are you from?
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Where did you attend Medical School?
Drexel University College of Medicine
Favorite memory of Medical School?
Playing ping pong before, in between, and after classes with my fellow med students.
Favorite memory of your intern residency year?
The IM Holiday Party at the City Museum. It was a blast exploring the museum with my fellow ophthalmology co-interns in our cocktail attire.
Why did you choose Ophthalmology?
I knew I wanted to do surgery coming into medical school and found ophthalmology to have the perfect blend of clinical medicine and surgery. Through my time on ophtho rotations I found working with vision to be incredibly impactful. I also loved that everyone in the field really seems to love their job and are highly enthusiastic about teaching and advocating for the field.
Why did you choose WashU Medicine?
I came to WashU as a visiting medical student during the application process. Coming from a much smaller institution, I was somewhat intimidated coming to such a comparatively large academic institution. But I very quickly found that everyone at WashU is incredibly warm and welcoming. That environment, along with the strong clinical training is what brought me to WashU.
What do you like most about St. Louis?
All the free events in Forest Park and also letting my dog run free (safely, of course) in the park.
What are you most looking forward to during your residency?
Getting to the point where patients trust me to treat their visual conditions, as well as continuing to work with my fantastic coresidents.
What specialty are you most interested in?
Currently, retina; however, this could be subject to change.