In this episode, John S. Pollack, MD, discusses how he got started with the American Society of Retina Specialists, gives the scoop on the PAT survey and provides career advice for young retina specialists.

• Intro :15
• In this episode :18
• About Dr. Pollack :24
• The interview :45
• Who is Dr. Pollack? 1:10
• What’s your favorite part about the field of retina? 2:37
• How did you get involved with the ASRS? 3:58
• Who write the questions for the PAT survey? 5:54
• How should community retina specialists utilize and view the PAT survey? 7:04
• Are you currently taking responses? 7:50
• What are the top issues ASRS will be dealing with this year? 8:12
• Indications for surgery for epiretinal membranes: visual acuity or visual function? 8:50
• What will have the biggest impact on retina for years to come? 15:28
• Career advice for young retina specialists; academic vs. private practice? 18:49
• Do you factor health care policy/reform into this decision? In 5 years, will health care be the same? 21:32
• The Winning Pitch Challenge 22:51
• How an idea in clinic turned into a product 26:45
• Thanks for listening! 28:00

John S. Pollack, MD, is past president of the American Society of Retina Specialists; partner at Illinois Retina Associates, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Disclosures: Mali reports he is founder and CEO of Mali Enterprises; retina medical director at Macular Degeneration Association; grant/research support from Alimera Sciences, Allergan/AbbVie, Chengdu Kanghong Biotechnology, Genentech, Notal Vision, Regeneron and Santen; consulting for Alimera Sciences, Allergan/AbbVie, Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, Kala Pharmaceuticals, Macular Degeneration Association, Notal Vision, Novartis, Regeneron and Sun Pharmaceuticals; speaker bureau for Alimera Sciences, Genentech, Kala Pharmaceuticals, Macular Degeneration Association, Notal Vision, Novartis and Sun Pharmaceuticals; and stock/shareholder with AbbVie and Regeneron. Pollack reports grant/research support from Aldeyra; consulting for Allergan, Dutch Ophthalmic Research Company, Graybug, Regeneron, REGENXBIO and Santen; founder and stock at Covalent Medical; grant support and consulting from Genentech; BOD, stock and consultant for Notal Vision; and founder and stock at Vestrum Health.

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