Academic Medicine is the Perfect Fit
Alumni Spotlight: Will Anninger, MD
"I love being part of providing excellent clinical experiences and outcomes for kids and their families."
Will Anninger, MD had no ties to the Buckeye state when he arrived in Columbus from the East Coast in the summer of 2002. He grew to cherish his time in the Clintonville neighborhood near campus where he could take his young children to the Park of Roses.
Dr. Anninger made a strong connection with former Department Chairman, Paul Weber, MD, during his interview and residency. They shared a passion for aerobic activity, and Dr. Anninger was impressed by the healthy work-life balance centered on family that Dr. Weber practiced. He remembers his days in the resident clinic, “there was a great link with the community ophthalmologists who helped to staff the clinic, their commitment to teaching was excellent and enriching”.
Dr. Anninger felt that under then Residency Director Robert Chambers', MD guidance, “Ohio State offered an environment that was sincere and supportive, and dedicated to the teaching of all aspects of ophthalmology”. He fondly remembers Elson Craig, MD teaching pathology in the back corner of the building, soaking up his calm demeanor and great wisdoms on both life and ophthalmology.
Mary Lou McGregor, MD is also a mentor that made a difference. “Dr. McGregor had a wonderful approach to pediatric patients while juggling life as a super mom to 4 children; she was inspiring and I still teach my fellows some of her surgical techniques."
Dr. Anninger chose to follow his dream of becoming a pediatric ophthalmologist and accepted a fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Following the fellowship he joined the faculty at CHOP. “The best place to be a pediatric ophthalmologist is in an academic medical center. The variety and complexity of patients and parents, the teaching and monitoring of residents and fellows make for rewarding and complex days. I am lucky to practice at a remarkable hospital like CHOP, which is the pediatric teaching hospital for the University of Pennsylvania and the Scheie Eye Institute.” He chose his specialty because he loves being around kids and has a passion for caring for children with vision issues. Dr. Anninger was also drawn to pediatric ophthalmology because it is a generalist field in ophthalmology, and requires caring for children with systemic and genetic diseases.