Jessica Yang Walia, MD
Cornea Fellow
Where are you from?
Arcadia, California
Where did you attend Medical School?
University of Illinois
Where did you complete your residency?
University of Florida
Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty?
I picked ophthalmology because it is an incredibly gratifying field. Vision is such an important part of a person’s quality of life. It is also a huge plus that we get to sit down and take off our shoes when we operate.
Why did you choose WashU?
I chose WashU for the excellent clinical and surgical training and the faculty mentorship.
Favorite memory of your residency?
Pranking my co-residents by sending silly emails from their accounts.
What did you learn in your residency that impacted you the most?
You will not always know the answer, ask for help when you need it.
How did you survive quarantine?
I attempted and failed at becoming a better cook, watched a lot of Netflix, and planned my postponed pandemic wedding.
What excites you most about starting your fellowship at WashU?
I am excited to refine my clinical and surgical skills and to work with a new set of residents and co-fellows.
What do you look forward to about living in St. Louis?
While in residency, I have been living apart from my husband and most recently our puppy. I am excited to finally be living together! The excellent St. Louis food scene and pup-friendly breweries are also a huge plus.