Charles “Max” Medert
Glaucoma Fellow
Where are you from?
Cincinnati, OH
Where did you attend Medical School?
Emory University School of Medicine
Where did you complete your residency?
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty?
I selected Ophthalmology because I can establish bonds with my patients in the clinic and be a part of microsurgical and technological advances in the operating room. There is also a unique sense of camaraderie amongst Ophthalmologist that drew me to the field. Simply put, when I found Ophthalmology, I found home.
Why did you choose WashU?
I selected WashU because it has everything I am looking for in a fellowship: robust academic environment, diverse faculty, amazing pathology, resident education opportunities, and mentored autonomy.
Favorite memory of your residency?
The yearly residency interviews were definite highlights. I was able to spend valuable time with my classmates and show applicants what a typical Miami “winter” is like while wearing flip-flops and shorts (in December).
What did you learn in your residency that impacted you the most?
I learned that vision loss affects more than just vision. It also affects one’s mental health, one’s job, one’s family, and countless other facets of life. As a result, my responsibility to patients extends beyond their eyes.
How did you survive quarantine?
I jumped back into reading and bought a Nintendo Switch.
What excites you most about starting your fellowship at WashU?
I am excited to enter the final phase of my training and hone my glaucoma and anterior segment surgical skills. There is no other fellowship in the US that offers what WashU offers.
What do you look forward to about living in St. Louis?
I am looking forward to returning to the Midwest and learning about St. Louis and all it has to offer.