NANOS Heroes - Dr. Sophia Chung

VOLUNTEER CORNER - NANOS HEROES

Meet our June hero and NANOS 2021 Merit Award recipient, Dr. Sophia Chung. 

DR. SOPHIA CHUNG, NANOS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Ophthalmology or Neurology? Ophthalmology

What was the best clinical pearl you learned in fellowship?
We are physicians first, then neuro-ophthalmologists.

What are the top 3 things you’ve learned over the last 5 years?

1) When in doubt, ask the patient! As many colleagues before me have said, listen to the patient; within them lies the answer.
2) Because technology and our access to information is exploding exponentially, what you learn today will change, expand, or be proven wrong; today’s “facts” might be completely erroneous in 5, 10, 20+ years!
3) Recognize what an impact we, as educators, have not only in your patients’ lives but also your trainees’ lives. Be the best person and role model you can be. Pay it forward and you will undoubtedly be rewarded.

Tell us about your involvement with NANOS! 
I thank Jack Selhorst MD, my friend, partner for many years, and former NANOS president, for giving me the first opportunities to speak at both the Walsh Society and NANOS meetings. He opened the doors to a rich network of mentors, colleagues, and friends. Joining committees is a wonderful avenue to learn how the organization works, meet people, and to give back.  Opportunities are plentiful and I have been abundantly enriched by the many professional relationships and social friendships. Thank you, NANOS, for educating me and providing me so many opportunities for growth and lifelong memories.

What would you say to members who want to be more involved in NANOS?
Step up to the plate and volunteer; it can be intimidating at first but all of us have felt it. But all of our voices are important as NANOS is our organization. 

What do you know at this stage in your career that you wish you knew when you first joined NANOS?
Each and every one of us makes a difference in peoples’ lives. The same is true at NANOS; we each can make a difference. It might seem small at first but all of the small changes have led to a large, vibrant, highly educational NANOS and we can each contribute.