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 Deena Shaath,MD.
Graduating Fellow: Deena Shaath, MD
What are your future plans?
I’m moving to Orlando for a private practice job!
Why did you choose Ophthalmology and Cornea?
Ophthalmology and cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery offers a mix of all aspects of medicine that I enjoy most. I love being able to clinically and surgically treat patients to get them the best vision possible. Vision has such a big impact on someone’s life, and I love being able to improve that for people!
Why did you choose WashU Medicine?
It has a variety of pathology and taught me the skills I need to basically be able to handle anything that walks in. It also has great teachers and mentors both within my specialty and outside of it!
What is your favorite memory of your fellowship?
Anytime I was hanging out with my co-fellows! We all became such great friends, and I’m grateful to have spent the year with them!
What did you learn in your fellowship that impacted you the most?
Anytime you’re struggling with a patient case, going down to the basics of each disease can really help you think about how to treat a patient. It’s always important to be calm and be methodical about your treatment strategies.
Favorite teacher or mentor and why?
Dr. Walia! She’s an amazing clinician, surgeon, and teacher! She always has a positive attitude and keeps calm no matter the situation. She’s confident and always willing to take her time with patients, residents, and fellows.
What was your favorite thing about living in St. Louis?
There’s a lot of great, diverse food options in St. Louis! I was surprised by the different types of cuisines I was able to try. I had a long list of restaurants, and I don’t think I even made it through half of them.
What aspect of your training do you feel most proud of?
I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made since starting fellowship. I’m more confident both in clinic and in the operating room and feel like I have the skills to practice interpedently.
How do you hope to make an impact in the field of ophthalmology?
I hope to be a physician that anybody in health care can look up to by practice ethically and always doing what’s best for the patient.
What advice do you have for incoming fellows?
This is your last year of training, and there’s always something you can learn from every opportunity. Fellowship is busy and can be tough at times, but it’s all very worth it in the end. You become a better clinician and surgeon in every aspect and become more confident in learning and treating things on your own. I would do fellowship all over again if I had the chance!