It’s my honor to introduce you to another edition of New Retinal Physician. We aspire to not only provide educational content, but also remind each other that we are not alone in the challenge of retina practice. 

A hot topic among retina specialists is the growing involvement of private equity (PE) firms in health care. Our colleagues who have engaged with PE firms appear to have mixed feelings about their futures. Broadly speaking, physicians in the later part of their careers tend to be excited about the cash inflow from private equity, particularly with retirement on the horizon. On the other hand, many younger doctors are unsure about their future earnings and career paths in this emerging world of health care. Based on conversations with these younger colleagues, some of their concerns are linked to an inability to speak freely on the subject due to nondisclosure agreements.

American Retina Forum (ARF) members discuss PE regularly and often express strong feelings on the topic. In a recent poll of ARF members, 86% answered “yes” to the question, “I believe that private equity (PE) is ruining medicine.” As one colleague stated, “My opinion is that PE is a hugely unethical industry that is sucking the life out of the US economy.” Many think the malign effect of PE was summed up in a video by social media personality and ophthalmologist Dr. Glaucomflecken, who said, “When you make enough money, you get to write the laws.” Others are undecided, but guarded in their views of PE within health care. 

Putting aside the business aspect of retina, we have some excellent clinical discussions in this edition of New Retinal Physician. As always, this publication is composed of interesting cases and concepts that stem from our daily discussions within the ARF. Within the issue, our colleague Basil K. Williams Jr., MD, discusses the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with the magazine’s managing editor. I’ve always thought of DEI as a human resources issue, focused on equality in the workplace and amongst colleagues. However, Dr. Williams notes how global income disparities can lead to varied clinical outcomes, such as retinoblastoma globe-salvaging efforts in Africa. Mentorship and skills transfer through our societies can reduce marginalization and foster personal growth. These principles should be greatly valued; Mitul Mehta, MD, MS, and I consider them to form the basis of the American Retina Forum. All ARF members are encouraged to have an equal voice in case discussions, as seen in the articles highlighted within the July/August issue. 

On behalf of myself, Mitul, and all members of the American Retina Forum, we invite you to join us in Carlsbad, California, for the 4th ARF national meeting, from August 7 to 10, 2024. To register, please visit retinaforum.org/national-meeting. Remember—no suits, no podiums, and no egos! NRP

HEMANG PANDYA, MD, FACS, is president and vitreoretinal surgeon at Dallas Retina Center in Plano, Texas. He reports no related conflicts of interest. He can be reached at DrPandya@DallasRetina.com.