Dr. Lizzy Rossin of the OGI profiled in Retina Today
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, and went to the Winsor School for high school. When I was younger, I was always interested in math and science. I loved physics and ultimately decided to get my undergraduate degree in engineering at the University of Pennsylvania before deciding to apply my interest in quantitative science to medicine. After college, I worked at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in a multiple sclerosis lab and started to learn about the field of genetics. I then completed my MD and PhD at Harvard and trained in statistical genetics so I could study the genetics of human disease. I still believe in the promise of genetics, and in addition to my retina practice, I study the genetics of retinal diseases.
MY PATH TO RETINA
The retina was interesting to me from the moment I first saw it with the indirect ophthalmoscope as a medical student in the Mass Eye and Ear emergency department. On this rotation, Demetrios Vavvas, MD, PhD, conducted chart rounds after his clinic, and the enthusiasm with which he and his fellows discussed cases was infectious—there was no turning back. I kept an open mind during residency, but I was naturally drawn back to the challenge, complexity, and creativity of the field of retina.
SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY
I firmly believe that we are a product of the opportunities that we are fortunate enough to be presented with, and that means mentors play a critical role in our lives. Lucia Sobrin, MD, MPH, a uveitis specialist, vitreoretinal surgeon, and geneticist, has been a steadfast mentor at each and every step of my journey through academic ophthalmology. Dean Eliott, MD, a mastermind of medical and surgical retina alike, has been a guiding force for me and generations of retina surgeons. Joan W. Miller, MD, is a luminary to whom I have always looked up and who inspires me to keep working on my goals. Leo A. Kim MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist who has always supported my work through collaboration. Dr. Vavvas has provided unwavering encouragement since I was a medical student, and Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD, is a glaucoma specialist and world-renowned ocular geneticist who has inspired me to pursue genetics and academia since the early days. To this day, I continue to benefit from the frequent contact and support of all these mentors.
Dr. Rossin’s advice: It is always possible to change; pick the path that feels right at the moment, and apply yourself fully. In the end, the path doesn’t need to be straight.
AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
My most cherished experiences were when my two children were born! Levi was born in 2017, and Anna was born in 2021.