Dr. Shareen M. Greenbaum is a successful solo ophthalmologist who established her Broward County practice in 2013. Her practice has quadrupled since her first year. As a single-practice ophthalmologist, she focuses on intraocular lens implant surgery, ophthalmic plastics, and refractive surgery. Dr. Greenbaum has been involved in multiple research projects and has been published in the peer-reviewed Retina Eye Journal for her research on Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. She is one of the first surgeons in Broward County who is certified in laser cataract surgery technology.
As an accomplished ophthalmologist, Dr. Greenbaum is dedicated to exposing students and young professionals to the ophthalmologic field. Every year, she accepts a few dedicated students to shadow her in the field. In the Summer 2016 semester, Dr. Greenbaum invited Sydney Korsunsky, a University of Michigan Public Health major, to shadow her for six weeks.
“It is a pleasure having a student, Sydney, shadowing me this summer. Sydney reminds me a lot of myself twenty years ago. She has recently finished her first year at the University of Michigan, which is my alma mater. She has already made the great decision to pursue a career in medicine,” said Dr. Greenbaum.
Korsunsky is interested in learning about the ophthalmology field and exposing herself to the daily life and routine of a physician. “I think Ophthalmology is one of the most technically challenging professions in the medical field. The doctor has to work on a very small area with a limited field of vision. One wrong move and the patient could end up without sight. So it is a very humbling field – you always have to keep in mind just how much of an impact your actions can have,” said Korsunsky.
Sydney has had experience in shadowing a few other physicians in the medical field including a dermatologist, a physical therapist, an exercise physiologist, and an anesthesiologist. She doesn’t have a clear idea of which field she would like to specialize in, but she has goals and is determined to exceed them.
As a positive role model and mentor, Dr. Greenbaum encourages students to understand the medical field as well as gaining experience in a variety of other fields, “My advice to students, such as Sydney, is to work hard to become a well-rounded adult. While most pre-med students stick to taking science courses I recommend taking courses that will broaden your knowledge base in other ways as well.” Dr. Greenbaum majored in history and Spanish while she was a student at the University of Michigan. She immersed herself in the Spanish culture by traveling to Spain several times and perfecting the Spanish language, “the ability to speak fluent Spanish has helped me in so many ways and shapes the person I am today.”
Not only is it important to be a well-rounded student, but to also have a list of short-term and long-term goals to ensure a bright future. Sydney has a clear vision for her future, “my short-term goals at this point consists of trying to get as much from this shadowing experience as possible and also enjoying my summer. When I start school back up again I, of course, want to do as best as I can in my classes and become very involved with my student organizations back on campus. As far as long-term goals, medical school is my biggest target. I also want to find a great combined M.D./M.P.H. (Master’s of Public Health) program since I want to be a physician with a background in public health.”
Sydney’s summer experience as Dr. Greenbaum’s mentee, at Hollywood Eye Institute, is something she will take back with her to Michigan and reflect on during her years of growth as a young medical professional. Dr. Greenbaum is extremely impressed with her level of maturity most college students lack at her young age and Sydney’s great bedside manner, “I have no doubt she will make a great physician in the future.”
If you, or anyone you know, is interested in shadowing Dr. Greenbaum and learning more about the ophthalmic field, please call the office to set up an interview. Dr. Greenbaum is invested in the future of medical students and is dedicated to encouraging young medical professionals to reach their highest potential.