Finding Your Niche in Medicine with Ophthalmic and Dermatopathologist Dr. Anna Stagner

Christine interviews Dr. Anna Stagner, a Harvard Associate Professor and Massachusetts Eye and Ear director who is board certified in ophthalmology, anatomic pathology, and dermatopathology and has authored nearly 100 publications. Stagner shares her background growing up in a small town in northern Arizona and her path from ophthalmology to ocular pathology, anatomic pathology, and dermatopathology. She advises exploring interests even if unconventional, prioritizing what you enjoy over what you’re merely good at, and not fearing major training changes. For productivity, she recommends saying yes to meaningful projects, changing environments to work effectively, and using daily Post-it task lists. She discusses aligning career choices with personality, seeking helpers, her trainee-focused sign-out workday, and cautions that choosing a subspecialty makes you the destination for difficult cases in that area.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:12 Podcast Chit Chat

01:32 Small Town Origins

02:38 Finding Your Passion

04:24 Productivity Habits

07:08 Changing Paths and Self Insight

09:18 Choosing the Unconventional Route

10:38 Specialty Planning Resources

12:18 A Day in Ocular Pathology

14:14 Picking Your Niche Wisely

15:45 Wrap Up and Thanks