20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

Dr. Sophia Leung: Pit Stops, Purpose, and Building an Uncharted Career

What happens when you follow curiosity instead of waiting for the perfect plan? Dr. Sophia Leung is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, and holds a joint Executive MBA from Cornell and Queen's — all while directing a specialty clinic and mentoring the next generation of Canadian optometrists. Sophia has navigated her career without a perfect roadmap, guided instead by curiosity, strong mentorship, and a willingness to learn. In this episode, we explore: * Why she went back for residency five years after graduating — and what changed * How board leadership completely shaped her clinical career * The "pit stop" philosophy she uses to prevent burnout * What work happiness means when meaning and purpose lead the way If you've ever felt unsure whether you're on the right path — this one's for you.

Bermuda, Clinical Research, and City Nomad: Dr. Fiona Soong's Journey

In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho sits down with Dr. Fiona Soong to explore her career journey. We chat about her early days working in Bermuda, the fascinating world of clinical research, becoming a KOL in myopia control, and looking beyond at her next career chapter. Fiona shares lessons she's learned along the way, things she'd do differently, and the importance of pursuing curiosity both inside and outside the clinic.

From Clinic to Campus: How Slowing Down Transformed One OD's Career Path | Dr. Deborah Wang

What does it take to leave a thriving clinical career — and find something even more aligned? For Dr. Deborah Wang, it was a phone call that changed everything. After graduating from SUNY Optometry in 2020, Deborah built a meaningful career at a busy Brooklyn ophthalmology practice. But when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2022, Deborah's priorities — and eventually her career path — transformed entirely. Now serving as Director of Career Development and CSTEP Project Director at SUNY Optometry, Deborah channels her passion for people, mentorship, and community into supporting the next generation of optometrists. In this episode, we explore: * Navigating early-career challenges as a first-hire in a busy ophthalmology practice * How caring for a terminally ill parent reshaped her definition of work and life * The pivot from clinical practice to academic career development * Building career capital as a student * Balancing ambition with burnout prevention: a framework for saying yes wisely Deborah's core belief is simple but powerful: follow your why, stay open, and the universe will answer. Whether you're a student figuring out your path or a clinician wondering what's next, this one's for you. Connect with Deborah: LinkedIn: Dr. Deborah Wang I SUNY Optometry Career Development

Dr. Dana Blakolmer's Powerful Story of Roots and Reconnection

Dr. Dana Blakolmer is an optometrist from Oshawa, Ontario, with 30 years of practice experience. After learning her grandmother was a residential school survivor who had hidden her indigenous identity all her life, Dana began connecting with her roots — and eventually started providing eye care to Indigenous communities in rural British Columbia. In this episode, we explore: * How Dana discovered her Indigenous heritage after her grandmother's passing * What it's like to run a mobile eye clinic * Importance of cultural safety and awareness * Why primary care, done with full presence, is more than enough * What 30 years of practice teaches you that optometry school never could Dana's core belief: you never stop learning, and the moment you think you have the answers is the moment you need to stay humble. Whether you're navigating burnout, considering rural or Indigenous eye care, or simply trying to reconnect with why you chose this profession — this one's for you.

Dr. Shaina Nensi on Advocacy, "Fly-In Clinics", and Leading with Purpose

What does it look like when your career becomes a platform for real change? Dr. Shaina Nensi is the current president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, owner of Avenue Optometry & Vision Therapy, and the eyecare provider to Indigenous fly-in community in Northern Ontario. In this episode: * Losing the OAO board election the first time — and why she ran again * What it's really like to run a clinic in a remote Indigenous community with handheld equipment and paper charts * What leadership actually taught her about listening, patience, and real change * Imposter syndrome at the presidential level, and how she moves through it Shaina's guiding principle? Only take on what you're truly passionate about. When your work is a passion project, even the hard parts feel purposeful. Whether you're a new grad figuring out your niche or a seasoned optometrist wondering if there's more — this one's for you. Connect with Dr. Shaina Nensi: * Avenue Optometry & Vision Therapy: https://avenueoptometry.com/ * Ontario Association of Optometrists: https://optom.on.ca/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shainanensi/