Dr. Klara Landau, NANOS Ambassador and 2018 Merit Award Recipient

Ophthalmology or Neurology? Ophthalmology

What was the best clinical pearl you learned in fellowship? The art of taking history: Listening to the patient and at the same time leading him or her to provide you with the specific information you need

What are the top 3 things you’ve learned over the last 5 years/or since leaving fellowship? Becoming department chair I stepped on unknown territory. My main three lessons were: 1. In a leading position, you are constantly being observed, even more so as a woman. Stay authentic and true to yourself. 2. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Distribute the tasks for the members in your team accordingly – let people do what they are best at! 3. People accept even unpopular decisions once they are convinced that the decision making process was fair.

Please tell us about your involvement with NANOS! Since my first NANOS in 1989 it became a necessity to attend the meetings in order to “recharge my batteries” with new knowledge. Over time it became more than that – I felt a need to meet friends and to engage in strengthening the ties between the North American and the International colleagues.

What would you say to members who want to be more involved in NANOS? This is a truly bottom-up democratic society and every contribution by a member or fellow is heard, evaluated and appreciated. You can make a difference!

What do you know at this stage in your career that you wish you knew when you first joined NANOS? I wish I had a better understanding of the importance to collaborate not only in patient care, but in the academic endeavors. NANOS offers the network for research and teaching, which is needed to advance your career.