Past Fellows
Jordan Herring, MD (2021-2022)
Current position: Private Practice in Nashville, Tennessee
Reasons I chose UK: At UK, I received broad surgical and clinical experience in an atmosphere that treats you both like a colleague and family. Surgically, I quickly became competent operating in the angle and advanced my ability to handle complex cataracts. The schedule allowed me to easily follow patients to understand the nuances of post-operative management. There is ample opportunity to teach and work alongside residents, which added to the positive experience of the year. You are able to develop mentorships that you can rely on moving well past the training years.
Sachin Gandhi, MD (2020-2021)
Dr. Sachin Gandhi joins us after completing his undergraduate and medical degree at Wayne State University, followed by Internship and Residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. Sachin is enjoying exploring the Bluegrass in his spare time…he has now experienced the Bourbon Trail and horseback riding.
Reasons I chose UK: There are many things that drew me to UK. The culture here is very welcoming with a great learning environment. The glaucoma faculty love to teach, and are always available to discuss cases and answer any questions I have. Having 4 - 5 different mentors guiding me in the OR lets me see different techniques so I can find what best works for me. Lastly, the city of Lexington is a great place to live with so many things to do
Alex Cherry, MD (2019 – 2020)
Current Position: Private Practice, Specialty Eye Institute in Toledo, Ohio and Southern Michigan
Alex Cherry, MD, attended the Ohio State University, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in biochemistry, then also attended the Ohio State University for medical school. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky for both internship and residency.
Fellowship characteristics that drew me to University of Kentucky Glaucoma:
- Mix of private and academic
- Faculty at different stages of career
- Varied approaches to surgery
- Good split of clinic and surgery for continuity
- Vast majority of cases as primary surgeon
- Heavier focus on clinical time and training over research
- Access to VA for moonlighting opportunities
- Access to rural clinical care for glaucoma
- Opportunities to teach and mentor residents
- Low call (~3 weeks) and administrative burden
- Excellent support staff
- Guaranteed salary (pgy-5) and benefits
Austin Taylor, DO (2018 – 2019)
Current Position: Eye Physicians of Southwest Virginia
Austin Taylor, DO, attended the University of Virginia’s College at Wise where he received a bachelor of science in biology and a bachelor of arts in chemistry. He attended medical school in the Cumberland Gap at Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a graduate of internship and residency programs at Larkin Community Hospital in Florida.
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky Glaucoma Fellowship program?
I chose the fellowship program because as soon as I stepped through the door it felt like home. There was a warmness to this place. Everyone seemed happy from the front office staff to the physicians and everyone in between. The attendings are approachable and extremely helpful, and the residents are in constant high spirits. In addition to the overall atmosphere, UK is the center of advanced healthcare in Kentucky. Being from central Appalachia, I wanted to gain as much experience as possible treating the people that reside in this beautiful part of the country.
What do you like about the Glaucoma Fellowship program?
There are three attendings which dedicate their time to teach the fellow. They trained at different institutions and at different intervals so they have different ways of doing things. Each attending has subtle differences in the way that they manage patients and perform surgeries. I'm privileged to learn different techniques to the same surgeries and will undoubtedly be proficient and possess a variety of techniques in glaucoma surgery at the end of fellowship.
Words of wisdom for inquiring applicants:
Research each place that you apply to for fellowship in order to make sure that it is a good fit for you. Each program has its own atmosphere which is effected by the region that the program is located along with the personalities of the attendings and residents. I would recommend getting the application in as early as possible and be yourself during the interview.
What are your Hobbies and interests?
I enjoy being a husband and a father, playing with my children, watching football, playing disc golf, and more or less anything outdoors.
Dr. Ryan Smith, MD (2017 – 2018)
Current Position: Private Practice; Eye Consultants, Lexington KY
Ryan Smith, MD, graduated from Centre College with a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology. He earned academic All-Conference honors as a second baseman on the Centre baseball team. Dr. Smith is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Jonathan Paul, MD (2016 – 2017)
Current Position: University of Vermont, Department of Ophthalmology
Jonathan Paul, MD, holds undergraduate degrees from Northern Arizona University in chemistry, microbiology, and philosophy. After completing his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine, he served in the Navy then completed an ophthalmology residency at Albany Medical Center.
Joseph Childs, MD (2015 – 2016)
Private Practice in Tupelo, Mississippi at the time of his passing in Spring 2023.
The University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology has established an annual Dr. Joseph Childs award to the resident who most embodies Dr. Childs' kindness, humor, and genial demeanor.
Joseph Childs, MD, received his medical degree from the University of Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky Ophthalmology Residency program. He was recognized in the “Top 50 Under 40” in the 2019 Mississippi Business Journal.