“Your kids look just like you!” is an oft-heard phrase at family gatherings. Setting aside the obvious explanation of basic genetics, similarities and recurrent character traits are well recognised within a family unit. Shared positive mutual experiences shape these attitudes and can provide stability and reassurance during times of need. Unfortunately, negative experiences can fracture families with jealousies causing upset and heartache.
These issues have sadly been brought to the fore recently in the aftermath of a certain entitled prince who decided the best way to ensure a private life for his wife and children was to publish a book criticising his wider family and do public interviews bemoaning his lack of privacy. Royalist or not, a commonly voiced response by the public has been “that’s not how a family should behave”, regardless of the perceived rights and wrongs.
So how should a family behave? Surely interactions are based on foundations of love and support, which provides space to flourish. This includes our professional relationships – such as with our patients, colleagues, and industry. We are part of one big eye family, and our attitudes and behaviour have an impact on others. We shouldn’t view our family as competition, rather we should be kind and encouraging, treating others as we would like to be treated. When one of us does well, we all shine, and when someone suffers, we all experience pain. These concepts are clearly expressed in this edition of Eye News in Peter Cackett’s interview with Dr Volodymyr Melnyk, a Ukrainian ophthalmologist, who has documented his unimaginably difficult year in providing ophthalmic services within a war zone. His descriptions of the grim reality and horror of war are in stark contrast to our parochial concerns in the UK. Despite this, Dr Melnyk has found solace in prioritising quality family time within his trying circumstances and expresses hope for a better future for us all. A sobering but inspiring read.
The family theme continues with a discussion on the joint ophthalmic clinic and the complementary roles of surgeons and physicians in quality eyecare. Corneal transplantation is an emotive issue involving families, and in this time of widespread tissue shortages, the challenges of providing a timely service despite the Organ Donation Bill are expanded by Lucy Fox. Remembering family giants from the past can help inspire us in the future, and Andrew King continues to keep us informed with his tribute to Henry (Harry) Moss Traquair. Refractive surprise can upset relationships between patients and surgeons, and Josephine Bates shares some thoughts on the associated fallout and blame game. Following Gwyn’s retirement, a new series of guest Learning Curves begin, widening the Eye News contributor family.
There are the regular educational articles and case reports from trainees (here, and here), who will one day grow into the new trainers. As this family cycle of ophthalmology continues, I trust you have found a mentor to emulate one day, or a mentee to direct and guide. If not, have a look at the various conferences listed and plan to get involved, through attending and presenting. If you don’t know where to begin, ask yourself: “Who are you trying to look like? And who looks up to you?”. Renewed engagement can blossom new opportunities at any stage in your career. Developing old and making new connections can be inspirational, enabling you not only to survive, but thrive! Collaborative, inclusive behaviour will help you achieve so much more within the safe trainee / trainer environment. Shared success is the gift of behaving well without jealousy, as part of the true eye family.
David Lockington
