In this issue, we have a theme centered on building. Dr. Paul Hahn shares lessons learned from starting an independent retina practice. He speaks candidly about the challenges he encountered, including the steep learning curve of understanding the business of running a practice (choosing electronic health record and practice management systems, selecting equipment, and negotiating with vendors), financial challenges related to office space and renovations, and recruiting staff. In addition, he shares the leadership lessons he has learned as the sole retina surgeon in his new practice.
Dr. Samuel Minaker contributes to this issue by discussing how to build a clinical trials program in private practice. He emphasizes how developing a network of industry relationships is essential to research growth. He also discusses the importance of strong physician-patient relationships, which may encourage patients to consider participating in clinical trials. In addition, he emphasizes that success depends on having well-trained, dedicated research staff, who are essential to any clinical trials program. Ms. Elizabeth Cifers expands on the topic of clinical trials by discussing strategies to integrate research into a practice. She emphasizes the importance of operational planning because research patients can change a clinic’s workflow.
Continuing the theme of clinical trials, Dr. Namrata Saroj, Dr. Mark Barakat, and Mr. Ram Yalamanchili discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform clinical research. They examine the advantages AI may offer, including target identification, protocol design, trial execution, and data interpretation. In addition, Drs. Lejla Vajzovic, Arshad Khanani, and Jeffrey Heier contribute a peer-reviewed article focusing on evolving FDA requirements for clinical trial design and statistical outcomes. They discuss superiority and noninferiority trial designs and examine the circumstances under which a single pivotal trial may support approval of a new medicine.
This issue also addresses operating room (OR) bottlenecks in an article by Drs. Deanna Miano and Miguel Busquets. They discuss the challenges retina specialists face in securing adequate OR time. Over the past few years, retina surgeons have encountered increasing difficulty obtaining OR time on weekdays and weekends. These barriers are multifactorial and have become an impediment to timely retinal care. We must work together and engage other health care professionals and policymakers to develop solutions to this growing problem.
I appreciate all our expert contributors who have graciously shared their knowledge. Their hard work and generosity are essential to the success of this journal. Thank you for taking the time to read Retinal Physician—I am grateful for your partnership. RP
