Dr. J. Martin Palomo

Case Western University

 

Challenge of Academia

 

As a resident I already had the idea of being somewhat connected to an university, since I thought it would help me to be up to date with new technologies, etc.  During my residence I came in contact with leaders like Mark Hans, my chair then and now, Rolf “Buzz” Behrents, and Lysle Johnston among others.  These interactions were responsible for my decision of full time academia, and almost 10 years later, and after achieving tenure, I can say that there is nothing else I would rather be doing.  I have my patients 2 half days a week, which makes a big financial addition, but I must say that during those days I often feel unproductive, and I would rather get what I call my “real work” done.  What I like the most about academia is the challenging multi tasking required, the management of people and situations at different levels, the chance for policy making, and the constant opportunity for growth and change.  I can safely say that there is never a dull moment.  At all times I am either teaching, doing research, supervising patients, making administrative decisions, and in my computer there is always an article in the process of being written, or reviewed.  This may sound like a lot of work for some people, but it is not the amount, but the variety that makes it look different than the alternatives.  And this variety, to me, is an advantage to me in the long term, since the chances of me getting bored of being in academia are less than if I was always doing the same thing every day.  Support from the AAO Foundation early in my academic career was essential in making this career choice possible, and for its development.  The AAOF was the first institution outside of my own, to believe in me, by supporting my research.  This support gave me the means and opportunity to show my capabilities, get credibility, and show other sources of funds that I am capable of doing quality work.  I can only think how much more difficult my development would have been without the AAOF.