Path to Pediatric Ophthalmology
While conducting trauma research in medical school, Skanchy attended a friend’s wedding in Utah where he talked to a LASIK surgeon about his desire to pursue trauma surgery.
“He said, ‘That’s a terrible idea. Fly out to Utah and do research with me.’”
Over the course of 10 weeks, Skanchy did cornea and refractive research and fell in love with ophthalmology. He completed an ophthalmology residency and a pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus fellowship at the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan, where he served as chief resident. In Michigan, pediatric ophthalmology became his passion.
“I loved all the different surgeries and ophthalmology, but the pediatric ophthalmology clinic was an absolute joy. Every day I went there, I just loved it, and I loved academics, I loved teaching. However, I also valued autonomy and efficiency, so I applied to both academic and private practice jobs.”