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    Getting to the Podium

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    So you want to become a key opinion leader (KOL)?

    Whether it’s presenting the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Phase 3 study outcomes or sharing the technology behind the newest, cutting-edge medical device, speaking on the podium can be a rewarding and influential journey for early career ophthalmologists. 

    By effectively sharing your expertise and insights, young professionals can not only contribute to advancements in the field but also establish themselves as respected figures within the ophthalmology community. 

    Here are some key steps and strategies that early career ophthalmologists can consider in their journey to the podium:

    • Build a strong foundation. Before aspiring to become the next big KOL, it is essential for early career ophthalmologists to build a solid foundation of knowledge and experience in their area of expertise. This includes gaining clinical experience and staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in ophthalmology. Keeping an open mind about incorporating the latest therapies into your practice to continuously improve efficiency and outcomes is a critical attribute of KOLs.
    • Develop expertise. To stand out, it is crucial to develop a niche or area of expertise within ophthalmology. This could be a specific subspecialty, a particular type of treatment, or a unique approach to patient care. By becoming an expert in a specific area, early career ophthalmologists can offer valuable insights and perspectives that set them apart from others in the field.
    • Build a professional network. Networking is key to advancing one's career as a speaker and KOL. Early career ophthalmologists can start by attending conferences, seminars, and other professional events to connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders. Building relationships with other professionals in the field can open up opportunities for speaking engagements and research collaborations. 
    • Publish and present. A surefire way to build up your reputation is to publish research papers, case studies, and articles in both peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed trade journals in your field. Even in private practice, it is possible to obtain research grant support by partnering with different companies and working with their medical science liaisons (MSLs) to perform investigator-initiated trials to answer clinical questions that weren’t addressed in the FDA trial. Presenting your data at conferences, symposiums, and workshops is also a great way to showcase expertise and gain recognition within the ophthalmology community.
    • Engage on social media. In today's digital age, having a strong presence on social media can greatly enhance one's visibility and influence as a speaker and KOL. Early career ophthalmologists can use platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and ResearchGate to share insights, connect with peers, and engage with a wider audience of professionals and patients. Industry representatives will often reach out and offer speaking and consulting opportunities through these professional social media platforms.
    • Be open about your speaking goals: Actively seeking out speaking opportunities is essential for early career ophthalmologists looking to build their reputation as speakers and KOLs. This can involve reaching out to conference organizers, professional associations, educational institutions, and mentors to express interest in presenting at conferences, workshops, and webinars.
    • Mentorship and collaboration. The ophthalmology speaker circuit is a small world, and it can be difficult and intimidating to break through as a new graduate. Mentorship from established speakers in ophthalmology can provide valuable guidance and support for early career professionals. You can be the best surgeon and speaker in the world, but you will never get as far as you could without the guidance and support of mentors who take you under their wing and actively open doors for you.

    Through dedication, hard work, and a passion for advancing eye care, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the field and inspire future generations of ophthalmologists.

    Headshot of Dagny C. Zhu, MD About the author: Dagny C. Zhu, MD, is a cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon and medical director and partner of NVISION Eye Centers in Rowland Heights, Calif. She joined the YO Info Editorial Board in 2023.