Have you ever caught yourself sitting in class thinking to yourself, “What am I going to do when I graduate? Where am I going to work? Should I specialize in anything? How do I know what to specialize in?” I had these questions enter my mind back in 2009. No, I’m not a 5th year senior. No, UIW doesn’t offer a part-time optometry degree. In 2009, I had one semester left until I received my MBA. At the time I was working for a public accounting company and sitting in a finance class. I was SO stressed because I knew that I couldn’t be an accountant the rest of my life and I wasn’t sure what an MBA was going to do for me. Obviously, I have shifted gears and changed paths. But in doing so, the same questions still enter my mind.
Where am I going to work?
Knowing where to set up shop and call home can be a difficult and stressful decision. Once you graduate from optometry school, you can pretty much practice in ANY of the 50 states. Since you can basically do what you love in any state, you might as well pick a place that you enjoy living! Here are my 4 suggestions in making the decision:
1) Make a list of possible places you would like to live. For me, my heart resides in the Southwest. I also enjoy states where there is no state income tax like Florida, Nevada, and Texas. Texas, for instance, does have a higher sales tax, but I would rather be taxed on the things I buy than the money I make, right?!
2) Externships. In 3rd year, you’ll choose where you get to spend time rotating in 4th year as an extern. This is a great opportunity to see what it’s like living and practicing in that state.
3) Meetings. Each year, there are a handful of AWESOME meetings that students can attend. In September I went to Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, Nevada and met a bunch of a doctors from the surrounding area. Here are some of the upcoming events for 2015: Vision Expo East in New York City (March), SECO International in Atlanta (March), Optometry’s Meeting in Seattle (June), Academy in New Orleans (October), and Vision Expo West in Las Vegas (September). Don’t forget that each state has their own convention that you can attend as well.
4) Family. Hopefully after a few years in optometry school you can decide if you are the type that wants to be close to your family or if you would rather keep your distance and visit on the holidays. I won’t reveal my preference in case my wife ever finds this blog post (wink, wink).
Should I and how do I know what to specialize in?
How can specializing in something and setting yourself apart be a bad thing? I don’t think you’ll find a doctor that has done a residency and would say, “I really wish I hadn’t done a residency.” Choosing to do a residency isn’t the tough part, choosing what to do a residency in is the difficult part. Here are my thoughts:
1) In first year, join as many clubs as possible. If you think you have any interest in Contact Lens, join the club. Low Vision…what’s that? Sounds cool. Join the club. With all of the foundational courses taken in the first year of optometry, joining lots of different clubs will give you an idea if you like that specialty.
2) If your school gives a summer break between first and second year, take that time and find a job with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Not only is it great networking, but you get to use all of your knowledge and skills from first year on a REAL patient. Cool! Working in a clinic situation, you may find your niche or specialty that you enjoy.
3) Reflect on the courses you’ve naturally excelled in. If you make an A in Vision Therapy and it was easy for you, it is a sign from God to specialize in it. I promise!
Optometry school is a great time to find yourself and learn what makes you happy. If you’ve had these thoughts early in optometry school, good for you. You’re in much better shape than if you are a 4th year and reading this! The good thing about these questions are YOU are in control of the outcome. YOU get to choose where you practice. YOU get to choose what you specialize in. Good luck with these difficult decisions!
Jeff Foster
University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
