Meet a Doctor: Douglas J. Rhee
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. His dedication to finding a cure for this blinding disease doesn’t leave him with much personal time. “I don’t have very many hobbies, but that’s OK, because I love my job. My job is my hobby” says Dr. Rhee, as he explains how much he truly enjoys his role at the Mass. Eye and Ear.
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.
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