Welcome from Claire Hermsen, MD
PGY3 Ophthalmology Resident
Hello! My name is Claire, and I am a PGY3 ophthalmology resident at the University of Wisconsin.
I chose ophthalmology because, during medical school, I loved all of my rotations—and ophthalmology has a little bit of everything. We perform surgery, care for patients in clinic over many years, interpret our own imaging, respond to emergencies and trauma, and so much more. Plus, the eye is the body’s coolest organ.
One of my proudest moments as a resident happened while I was on call as a PGY2. I diagnosed Giant Cell Arteritis and helped prevent a patient from losing vision in his good eye. It was a meaningful reminder of the impact we can have, even in urgent and stressful moments.
Of course, residency also comes with humbling moments. Once, near the end of a long call weekend, I fell asleep while listening to a patient. I apologized, but I think the patient’s confidence in me was understandably pretty low after that. The lesson I took from that experience is that you have to take care of yourself in order to take good care of patients.
My advice is to say “yes” with enthusiasm when opportunities genuinely excite you, even when you are busy. Those are the things that keep you motivated when the hours get long. At the same time, learn to say “no” to things that do not inspire you. If something is not going to make you a better doctor and it does not excite you, try not to sweat it.