In this episode, Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Kriti Bhagat, who shares her journey into optometry, the cultural expectations she faced, and her passion for specialty contact lenses. Dr. Bhagat discusses her experiences in residency, the transition from academia to clinical practice, and the challenges of opening her own private practice. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, navigating work-life balance, and the rewarding aspects of patient care. Dr. Bhagat encourages future optometrists to explore the diverse opportunities within the profession and to prioritize their well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kriti Bhagat

01:57 Journey into Optometry

05:10 Cultural Expectations and Career Choices

09:28 The Decision to Pursue Residency

11:15 Experiences During Residency

14:36 Transitioning from Academia to Clinical Practice

18:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Career Moves

22:58 Establishing a Private Practice

23:25 Building a Specialty Practice

24:31 The Decision to Open a Practice

26:24 Navigating the Challenges of Starting Up

27:48 Finding Support and Mentorship

30:01 The Rewards of Autonomy in Practice

31:41 Understanding Legislative Impacts on Optometry

34:53 Transformative Patient Encounters

37:41 Balancing Multiple Roles in Optometry

39:38 Navigating Burnout and Work-Life Balance

44:00 The Endless Possibilities in Optometry

Takeaways

• Dr. Kriti Bhagat emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her journey.
• Cultural expectations can shape career choices in healthcare professions.
• Residency can open many doors and provide valuable experiences.
• The transition from academia to clinical practice can be challenging yet rewarding.
• Opening a private practice allows for greater autonomy in patient care.
• Networking and community support are crucial when starting a new practice.
• Work-life balance is essential to prevent burnout in healthcare professionals.
• Reading and continuous learning can help manage stress and improve skills.
• Optometry offers diverse career paths beyond traditional roles.
• Patients appreciate personalized care and attention in their treatment.