On this episode of Retina Mentor Moments, John W. Kitchens, MD, and Rishi Singh, MD, FASRS, discuss the importance of mentorship, continuing education, and teamwork to advance ophthalmology.
Dr. Singh’s career has spanned across the country, from Massachusetts to Ohio, then to Florida, before returning to Massachusetts. After many years in practice and a few years as a hospital CEO, he chose to come back to clinical care, research, and education—areas he truly enjoys and where he can take on a leadership role in ophthalmology as the Chair of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Mass Eye and Ear is a historic center leading in ophthalmology treatment and research, affiliated with Harvard Medical School’s Department of Ophthalmology. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals for eye care, they offer subspecialty training in cornea, retina, and glaucoma.
Their core values focus on high-quality care through education, innovation, and excellence in service. Dr. Rishi mentions that breakthroughs in ophthalmology, such as the indirect ophthalmoscope, photodynamic therapy, and angiopoietin-2 inhibition, were all developed in Boston at Mass Eye and Ear.
Mentorship and leadership in retina
One question that Dr. Singh had during his career journey was, “What is the broader impact of what we can all do as individuals?” Leadership is not a straightforward or predetermined journey. Individuals often pursue different roles to acquire new skills and expertise.
Although Dr. Singh did not have a specific plan for which positions to seek, he aimed to make a broader impact on patients through education and healthcare. He accepted roles based on the advice of mentors and chose to step outside his comfort zone, challenging himself as we all strive to become better versions of ourselves.
Mentorship often extends beyond a single individual; throughout his career, Dr. Singh has been influenced by many people, including peers and trainees from various generations and specialties. Trainees, in particular, frequently ask challenging questions that promote growth and development.
Furthermore, having an open mindset to listen to others and engaging in self-reflection can be highly beneficial. Personality assessments have also helped Dr. Singh evaluate his leadership style and identify areas for improvement.
The most successful organizations and practices recognize that physician input and leadership are essential. There should be a partnership between physicians and administration for optimal success, and being involved in organizations such as these has helped Dr. Singh hone his leadership skills.
Transition to chair
When considering a high-level position, such as chair of ophthalmology, it is crucial to conduct thorough research by engaging in intentional conversations with a variety of individuals. This approach provides valuable insights that can help you shape your letter of intent and ensure alignment with the desired candidate profile.
Gather information on what is working well and identify areas for improvement that are related to the position. Focus on the strengths and discuss them clearly, explaining their relevance to the position.
The importance of global education
Reflecting on his experiences as a student and resident, Dr. Singh learned early on the importance of education. He has applied this lesson by organizing meetings that involve a diverse group of people and frequently changing faculty participants to incorporate different perspectives.
During his travels, Dr. Singh encountered professionals with expertise that other doctors could benefit from, which inspired him to promote a global exchange of education. He is one of the founders and emeritus members of the Retina World Congress, which brings together international experts to explore the latest advancements in medical and surgical retina, imaging technology, and practice management.
Participants engage in practical, interactive content that includes case studies, expert panels, surgical demonstrations, and the most recent clinical trial results. To foster an inclusive environment, the event also offers an online option for doctors who may not be able to attend in person due to costs, visa issues, or limited experience, thereby providing educational opportunities on a global scale.
In addition to the Retina World Congress, Drs. Singh and Kitchens are involved with the dedicated Retina Program at Kiawah Eye, launching in 2026. Kiawah Eye is a leading ophthalmology CME event held annually on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
The engaging format—focused on interaction, innovation, and practical learning—is particularly well-suited to the retina specialty, which constantly advances with new therapies and surgical techniques. The case-based format will include tentative topics such as controversies in diabetic care, medical retinal conundrums, and drug and device.
Leading with purpose requires organization
For those with leadership aspirations, Dr. Singh states that each day is a new beginning, and some days are more hectic than others. Maintaining a good work-life balance is also super important to him, as incorporating family and friends is crucial.
There are a few things Dr. Singh does to stay organized:
- He keeps a notebook to actively listen during meetings and take notes while keeping track of his day.
- Paper calendars help visualize the schedule on a global scale and help avoid conflicts.
- Administrative assistants are worth their weight in gold and help to be your accessory brain.
- A daily task list is created in the morning, keeping priorities on top, with incomplete tasks rolled to the next day.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting your career or further along, Dr. Singh emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives, collaboration, and inclusion. He also cited the value of continuous learning throughout your career, regardless of your stage or accomplishments.
