Molly Shott
“Participating in organizations like the Ophthalmology Interest Group is great for us as medical students because it provides us with an opportunity to get outside of the classroom and experience the patient side of medicine while learning more about a specialty.”
Inspired by her childhood ophthalmologist and a family tradition of Mountaineer graduates, fourth-year medical student Molly Shott said it is no surprise that she found a home with the West Virginia University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences through the School of Medicine’s Ophthalmology Interest Group.
Shott’s first exposure to ophthalmology came during her first year of medical school, when she had an oculoplastics shadowing opportunity with associate professor Bradley Thuro, M.D.
“I remember leaving that shadowing opportunity with a real eagerness to learn more about the field and the various subspecialties,” she said. “I was intrigued by the unique blend of one-on-one clinical care with patients and the delicate surgical procedures performed in the operating room. But even more than that, I just felt really welcomed and supported by the faculty and residents. I left knowing I just had to come back.”
Shott joined the School of Medicine’s Ophthalmology Interest Group soon after, where she now serves as the organization president in her final year of medical school. Through the program, Shott has participated in several hands-on trainings including slit lamp and suture workshops, attended regular recurring meetings led by faculty and connected with faculty and residents about research opportunities.
Shott said she is grateful for all of her experiences thus far in the Ophthalmology Interest Group and that she encourages all medical students, regardless of their preferred specialty, to become involved in the student organization that best aligns with their academic interests.
“Participating in organizations like the Ophthalmology Interest Group is great for us as medical students because it provides us with opportunities to get outside the classroom and experience the patient side of medicine while learning more about a specialty. I highly encourage any student to explore the wide range of student organizations offered at the School of Medicine and become involved in any way they can,” Shott said.
As she reflects on her time in medical school and looks ahead to applying for ophthalmology residency programs, Shott said she is grateful for all her experiences with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
“I can’t thank the ophthalmology faculty and residents enough for helping me further build my passion for visual sciences by providing me with a welcoming and encouraging learning environment over the last three years,” she said. “Thanks to their support I have learned so much that I know will prove invaluable during my final year of medical school and in the next phase of my medical journey.”