EP221: Finding Your Path: A Conversation with Dr. Anna Stagner

Finding Your Niche in Medicine with Ophthalmic and Dermatopathologist Dr. Anna StagnerChristine 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 Intro01:12 Podcast Chit Chat01:32 Small Town Origins02:38 Finding Your Passion04:24 Productivity Habits07:08 Changing Paths and Self Insight09:18 Choosing the Unconventional Route10:38 Specialty Planning Resources12:18 A Day in Ocular Pathology14:14 Picking Your Niche Wisely15:45 Wrap Up and Thanks