PURSUiNG MEdicAl cAREERS AFtER SERviNG thEiR cOUNtRy

where he works one day a week and where he learnedhis tools of the trade from his mentor, Dr. JeffreyWinston.Dean Clinton Adams, DO, provided a tour of thePatient Care Center and Health Education Center.Khan also was able to meet with Elizabeth Hoppe, OD,MPH, DrPH, founding dean of the College ofTeran said she has paid for three visits out of pocket tocontinue seeing Khan. Medicare did not approve hervisits to Khan as part of her medical group, so she hassince switched medical groups, where her new primarycare doctor would refer her to Khan. She believes herfourth visit will be covered by insurance.Optometry.“Based on my visit and tour, I would love to beinvolved with the school,” he said. “The faculty isyoung and excited about the College of Optometry.The Eye Care Center facilities are outstanding and theexam lanes areKhan said it was a giftequipped top of theand exciting to beline. The communitytracked down and heophthalmologist couldsaid Ellie’s not theonly dream of havingonly one looking forthis variety and depthhim or wanting hisof diagnostic equipmentsecret. He saidavailable to them.”colleagues and retinalspecialists are callinghim to find out whathe does. He’s been ina unique position,treating thousands ofFrom left, Clinton Adams, COMP alumna NaNotchka M.Chumley, DO ’93, MPH, Beverly A. Guidry, and Ayaz KhanKhan said he would bedelighted to work withthem treating retinalconditions there, andhelping teach students.patients a year, andhaving the ability to refine his procedure, and he saidthat Ellie's appreciation motivated him to finallypublish his technique.“The WesternU campus has come a long way,” he said.“Historically, optometry and ophthalmology have hada competitive spirit, but being a WesternU graduate, Ihave a special soft spot for my new optometry“Patients regularly tell me that they are very pleased colleagues.”with the injections they are receiving,” he said. “Thosewho have experienced these injections elsewhere aremy most grateful patients, as they have something tocompare to. However, the lengths Ellie went throughto track me down, were a pleasant reminder to me weDr. Khan said Ellie's story is a good reminder of thatwhat graduates do in the field every day is importantto people, and thought it was wonderful that sheassociated a good outcome with WesternU.have to do our best for our patients. They really doThis exemplifies that importance of Khan’sappreciate it.”osteopathic-upbringing, looking to treat the patient asIn February 2012, Khan visited WesternU for the firsttime since graduation. Since working in Pomona, hehad heard that the College of Optometry opened anda whole. His family physician while growing up in SanDimas – one he still calls his physician – is WesternUalumnus Steven Davis, DO ’85 and MSHPE ’98.was very interested in seeing what was happening atthe school.“Dr. Davis made a great impression on me, and even Iassociated him with where he went to medicalCollege of Optometry Director of Communityschool,” Khan said. “He is the reason I applied toOutreach Kristy Remick, OD, FCOVD, and COMP WesternU.”– Jeff MaletWesternU View Summer 2012 33