
Welcome to my daily learning journal. Here is today’s list:

1. Ted Talk – Alexandros Charalambides: Why aren’t we only using solar power? “Solar power is cheaper and more sustainable than our current coal-fueled power plants, so why haven’t we made the switch? The real culprits here are the clouds, which make solar power difficult to control. Alexandros George Charalambides explains how solar towers and panels create electricity and how scientists are trying to create a system that can function even under cloud cover. [Directed by Richard O’Connor, narrated by Addison Anderson].” (ted.com)

2. Cataract Surgery – Uday Devgan MD – 1082: release of posterior synechiae. Excellent technique.
3. Andrew Lee MD – Foster Kennedy Syndrome vs pseudo-Foster Kennedy Syndrome.
Dr. Lee’s 450+ neuro-ophthalmology reviews are perfect for lifelong learning.
4. William Zinsser, On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction. Chapter 23, “A Writer’s Decisions.”
Zinsser writes about his decision making process when writing the article, “The News from Timbuktu” (Condé Nast Traveler).

5. Today’s learning highlight was Friday’s closing session of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum. AAO President Tamara Fountain engaged in a provocative discussion with her medical school classmate & thought leader Nicholas Christakis MD, PhD, MPH. A few years ago, I attended Dr. Christakis’ extraordinary presentation to the Yale Development Council on his research interests including social networks and biosocial science.
Today’s discussion included highlights from Dr. Christakis’ book Apollo’s Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus on the Way We Live. I loved President Fountain’s first question on the meaning of Apollo’s Arrow, and Christakis’ detailed explanation of the link to Homer’s Iliad.

6. I will be moderating a session on The Rise, Fall and Rise of Private Equity & Corporatization in Ophthalmology this Saturday, April 25 at 8:10 am PST (11:10 am EST). Our all-star panel includes Chris Albanis, MD, Bob Wiggins, MD, & Julia Lee, JD.
This session is part of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum. At the MYF2021, ophthalmology comes together to discuss politics, policy, and practice management.