Meet Andrew Goldstein

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Residency Match: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Speciality: Ophthalmology

How did you choose your specialty?

I wanted to go into a specialty that allowed for both continuity of care and a surgical practice. Ophthalmology is the perfect blend of both medicine and surgery that will allow me to intervene in saving and improving our most important sense: sight. Additionally, the people I met and the mentorship I received while at the University of Iowa showed me that ophthalmology was a great fit and a field I could thrive in.

What experiences outside the curriculum greatly enhance your medical education? 

There were endless opportunities available to explore research and service that were not part of the formal curriculum. I had the chance to work at the Iowa Lions Eye Bank for a summer research fellowship, travel to New Orleans to present our paper at a conference, and spend time working with a variety of scientists in a basic science laboratory. I was able to perform vision screening for children, volunteer in a free eye clinic, and lead multiple tutor groups. These experiences helped to make my time in medical school more well-rounded and taught me skills that I will carry forward into my residency.

Who was especially helpful in guiding and mentoring you? 

The Carver College of Medicine provided me with an avenue to establish mentorship in ophthalmology during my first semester in medical school. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Mark Greiner, associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, who helped me craft a path forward that led me to match at a wonderful program. Dr. Pavlina Kemp, clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and medical education director, and Dr. Tom Oetting, clinical professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and residency program director, were also great resources and mentors to me during my time in medical school.

What was the most rewarding part of your Carver College of Medicine experience? 

I feel very fortunate to have met many people who are current leaders in their field, as well as my classmates who will be the future leaders in medicine. The quality and character of the people at the Carver College of Medicine, from the admissions department to the administrative staff, have made the last four years an amazing experience.

Share one memory that sticks out from your time as a student at the UI Carver College of Medicine. 

I enjoyed getting to know my peers who were going into ophthalmology throughout the interview season. I had the chance to meet up with them in multiple cities across the country, which was very cool!

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to incoming medical students? 

Burnout is real, and medical school, no matter how supportive the staff are, is a stressful time. Don’t be shy about asking for help or just talking with a classmate when you feel stressed. Just know that everyone feels equally overwhelmed, and you are all in it together. From my vantage point as a graduating student, I can look back and reflect on the challenging moments of medical school and see how they helped me grow as a person. However, in the moment it can be hard to see the big picture. So don’t forget your motivation for taking this path, lean on your friends and resources, and enjoy your time the best you can. It will be over before you know it.