2025 Resident and Fellow Graduation

FEI graduated its largest class ever. Four ophthalmology residents and four fellows completed their training. In addition, two optometry residents finished their programs. FEI celebrated them at its annual banquet and sent them on to the next chapters in their careers, expecting great achievements from them.

Senior ophthalmology resident Joseph Okudolo, MD, received the Surgeon’s Knife Award for distinguished performance in the operating room, having completed over 200 cataract surgeries. He also received the Excellence Award for earning the highest OKAP examination score among FEI residents. The Research Award, given to an emerging clinician-scientist, went to Brittany Wong, MD, a soon-to-be junior already building an impressive publication record. Parker Cox, MD, was named Rookie of the Year. The Humanitarianism in Ophthalmology Award, recognizing unwavering dedication to patient care, advocacy, and health equity, was awarded to senior resident Eileen Mayro, MD.

Not to be outshone by the residents, several faculty members were also recognized. The Mina Chung Award—which memorializes the former residency program director—went to program co-director Wen Fan Hu, MD, PhD, for excellence in education. The Dushay Teaching Award, honoring long-time instructor Frederick Dushay, MD, went to Matthew Haynie, MD, a former FEI resident lauded for his kindness, patience, and dedication. Former FEI resident and long-time community physician Dennis Asselin, MD, received the Resident Guardian Award for his continued support and mentorship.

Life after residency

Senior ophthalmology residents are evenly split between advanced training and private practice. The entire graduating class expressed gratitude to their teachers and the supporting staff.

 

Eileen Mayro, MD, is headed to New York to begin her career as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon at Mount Sinai Health’s Midtown Manhattan multi-specialty offices. In a heartfelt address, she encouraged underclass residents to “trust yourself and your instincts. When you know the answer, speak up. When you’re confused, ask for help.”

Felix Omoruyi, MD, continues his educational journey, accepting a retina fellowship at The Ohio State University’s Havener Eye Institute. He reminded faculty and colleagues to “stay humble, stay curious, and always remember that preserving vision is a privilege. Most of all, be kind to your patients, your team, and yourself. You’re building more than knowledge—you’re building a career of impact.”

Joseph Okudolo, MD, also chose the fellowship route, beginning a cornea fellowship at the University of Ottawa in Canada. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Training is a marathon, not a sprint. Try to learn one thing from each encounter. I promise it will add up to you becoming an outstanding clinician and surgeon.”

Alec Thoveson, MD, will enter private practice as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, remaining in Rochester to work with Rochester Regional Health. His parting advice: “Take a big breath before walking into a patient’s room. It’s easy to get caught up in the busy day and see a patient as a task to complete, rather than a person.”

The optometry residency program graduated its second class. This one-year program, launched by Optometry Chief Brooke Donaher, OD, and Jessica DaSilva, OD, offers recent optometry graduates additional training to refine their clinical skills. This year’s residents, Emily Zimmerman, OD, and Nisha Patel, OD, represented FEI at regional and national meetings, presenting research related to their work. Both will be joining FEI as Senior Clinical Instructors of Ophthalmology.

Sneeha Konda, MD, completed her two-year retina fellowship under the mentorship of Mark Breazzano, MD, and the rest of the retina faculty, honing her surgical skills and providing consult services to residents and staff. Beginning in August, she will join a private retina practice in Northern Virginia.

Rupali Singh, MBBS, wrapped up her pediatric ophthalmology fellowship, becoming a skilled clinician and surgeon. She enjoyed her time in Rochester so much that she successfully applied for FEI’s glaucoma fellowship and will continue her training under Karen Allison, MD, and Regina Smolyak, MD.

Sharon Schwartz, MD, and Neslihan Sinim Kahraman, MD, completed their ocular genetics fellowships. Both will remain at FEI to conduct research under Alex Levin, MD, before returning to Israel and Turkey, respectively, where their newly acquired expertise will be in high demand.

It was an outstanding campaign. Congratulations to all!

Zachary Laird | 7/15/2025