House Staff Stories

I absolutely loved my three years at Columbia. First, the resident clinic is a special place where residents are given agency to provide great care for the community.
Second, the balance between resident autonomy and attending supervision is really thoughtfully structured.
Third but not least, the people at Columbia are one-of-a-kind. They’re not only the best doctors and surgeons, but they are also just amazing, good people. If I could go back and make the same choices to do residency at Columbia again, I would 100%.

 Michelle M. Maeng, MD, Class of 2020, ASOPRS Oculoplastics Fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami


From the very first day that I met my mentors, I knew Columbia University Ophthalmology was a special place. The level of dedication by the faculty to resident education and patient care is unparalleled. By the end of residency, I felt very confident and well prepared both surgically and clinically. I was also able to land a great fellowship!

 Marlene Wang, MD, Class of 2020, Vitreoretinal Surgical Fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard


There are not enough words that can express what Columbia means
to me. The patients, representing a heavily Dominican demographic, are truly at the core of this fantastic training program. My patients would refer to me, and vice versa, as “mi vecino” because of my Haitian heritage. My patients, or neighbors, along with an incredible ancillary staff and passionate mentors and attendings have all helped to refine the trajectory of my career. I would not be the doctor, surgeon, advocate or man I am today without the invaluable time at Columbia University, Harkness Eye Institute.

 Joah Aliancy, MD, Class of 2021, Glaucoma Fellowship at Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan