Dear Patients and Friends,

I was born and raised in the Ural Mountains of the former Soviet Union, in the small town of Tchaikovsky, named after the great composer who was born nearby. Swan Lake has remained my favorite ballet ever since.

My love of medicine began long before medical school. My mother was an ophthalmologist who devoted her life to caring for patients and developing eye care services throughout our region. She eventually became the head of the ophthalmology department at a regional hospital, where she mentored generations of physicians, residents, and nurses. She has always been my greatest inspiration, my best teacher, and my most honest critic. Because she often took me to work, I practically grew up in the hospital. Watching medicine from behind the scenes, I never questioned what I wanted to become. From an early age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to ophthalmology.

Believing that an exceptional medical career begins with an exceptional education, I moved to Moscow after high school to attend the Russian State Medical University, one of the country’s leading medical schools. After graduating with honors, I completed my residency at Svyatoslav Fyodorov’s Eye Microsurgery Institute in Moscow, one of the most prestigious ophthalmology training programs in Russia.

Professor Fyodorov is widely regarded as the pioneer of modern ophthalmic microsurgery, and I was privileged to train under his guidance during the final years of his career before his passing in 2000. His influence continues to shape the way I practice medicine today.

I first came to the United States in 1993 and immediately knew I wanted to continue my medical career here — it was love at first sight. I completed my internship at Yale-affiliated St. Raphael’s Hospital, where I found not only exceptional teachers but also lifelong friends among my fellow residents and faculty.

I was then honored to join the Ophthalmology Residency Program at LSU Health Shreveport, one of the nation’s most surgically intensive training programs. My years there confirmed what I had always known — surgery was my true calling.

I was fortunate to learn from extraordinary surgeons whose technical excellence was matched by their patience, generosity, and dedication to teaching. They became mentors, colleagues, and lifelong friends. Together, we trained, operated, traveled, and even participated in charitable medical missions.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy an active lifestyle. Running, downhill and cross-country skiing, and skating help me stay focused, disciplined, and balanced. These pursuits require many of the same qualities that define microsurgery and help me maintain the steady mindset my profession demands.

Even after a long day in the operating room or a particularly challenging surgery, I continue to be inspired by the elegance, innovation, and artistry of ophthalmology. Restoring and preserving vision is both an extraordinary responsibility and an incredible privilege.

To my patients, thank you for placing your trust in me. Caring for my patients is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I never take that responsibility for granted.