Meet a Specialist: Douglas Rhee, MD
Since joining the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary’s staff, Assistant Surgeon and Glaucoma Specialist Dr. Douglas Rhee has devoted the majority of his day to treating patients with glaucoma and researching new and better ways to treat them. He is wholly dedicated to finding a cure for this blinding disease. Dr. Rhee truly enjoys his role at Mass. Eye and Ear, and when asked about how he feels about this work, he explains, "I love my job. My job is my hobby.”
After choosing ophthalmology as his specialty, Dr. Rhee explains the reason he decided to further sub-specialize in glaucoma. “Patients diagnosed with glaucoma often require long-term follow up. They often need someone to help them through dealing with a disease that does not currently have a cure,” says Dr. Rhee. He enjoys the ongoing clinical relationship that develops as a result.
“My patients are a constant reminder of the need for more research,” he says. “While clinical care allows me to help one person at a time, teaching and research provide the opportunity to increase that ability exponentially,” says Dr. Rhee.
During his research, Dr. Rhee searches for the underlying causes of glaucoma, which is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. Though he loves the relationships he now develops with his patients, Dr. Rhee hopes that discoveries through ongoing research will one day lead to a cure for this blinding disease.
Contact Dr. Rhee's office at 617-573-3670.
View Dr. Rhee's online bio for more information.
