Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | RSS
The so-called “dog days” of optometry are not confined to summer months or academic calendars. They appear in January clinics, third-year rotations, early associate roles, cross-country moves, career pivots, and major life milestones. In Episode 56 of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, and Dr. Douglas Akidi explore what it really means to push through long seasons while still building a life worth enjoying.
Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation centers on mindset shifts, lived experiences, and practical strategies that resonate with optometry students, early-career optometrists, and seasoned clinicians alike.
Getting Through the Dog Days of Training
The conversation opens with reflections on optometry school, particularly the intensity of third- and fourth-year training. Dr. Nunez describes this phase as one of the earliest “dog days,” where clinic responsibilities, exams, and board preparation overlap. What helped her most was intentionally stepping outside the optometry world—spending time with people unrelated to school, engaging in creative outlets like painting, and prioritizing movement through walks or exercise. Her insight reinforces that resilience during training is not built solely through studying harder, but through protecting mental and emotional well-being alongside academic performance.
Work, Time Off, and Letting Go of Guilt
A major theme centers on time away from work and the guilt often attached to it. Dr. Afkhami speaks openly about choosing travel, concerts, and family milestones even when time off is unpaid. She challenges the idea that productivity should always take precedence, noting that work will replace you, but life moments cannot be replaced. Her perspective reframes time off as an investment in longevity and fulfillment, not a distraction from career success. Financial planning matters, but not at the expense of presence and meaningful relationships.
Perspective, Reflection, and Long-Term Fulfillment
The discussion closes with a broader reflection on juggling life, career, and identity. Dr. Akidi emphasizes the importance of pausing to recognize progress—especially after major transitions like relocating or navigating early practice years. He highlights the need to “give yourself flowers,” acknowledging growth even when external validation is absent. Dr. Singh complements this by reinforcing long-term thinking: optometry is a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable routines, reflection, and perspective are what allow clinicians to move through repeated dog days without burning out.
