NANOS Heroes - Dr. Patricia Johnston McNussen

VOLUNTEER CORNER - NANOS HEROES

Meet our June hero and NANOS 2022 Merit Award recipient, Dr. Patricia Johnston McNussen. 

DR. PATRICIA JOHNSTON MCNUSSEN

Ophthalmology or Neurology? Neurology

What was the best clinical pearl you learned in fellowship?
The history is crucial. This should not surprise any Neuro-Ophthalmologist!

What are the top 3 things you’ve learned over the last 5 years?

1) Make sure your patients feel that their concerns have been heard.
2) Keep up to date on new technology and new diseases.
3) Ask for help when you need it.

Tell us about your involvement with NANOS! 
I became involved in NANOS many years ago when I joined the Membership Committee.  I thought that was a good place to start to help NANOS, and eventually became the chair.  From there, I moved on to other committees that I was interested in or that the Executive Board asked me to join.  I have been on the Bylaws Committee, Ethics Committee, Nominating Committee, Productivity and Compensation Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Finance Committee.  I was also on the Executive Board for 3 years.  I became involved in NANOS to help my society.  NANOS is my professional home, probably even more than my workplace.  This is the group that cares about Neuro-Ophthalmology, and wants to help the subspecialty thrive and grow.  We are all busy people, but I think volunteering with NANOS is crucial to all of us and the future of Neuro-Ophthalmology.

What would you say to members who want to be more involved in NANOS?
Do it!  Review the committee list on the NANOS website – find something that peaks your interest, and contact the committee chair, someone on the Board, or the Executive Office.

What do you know at this stage in your career that you wish you knew when you first joined NANOS?
I wish I had networked more and advocated for myself more at my workplace.  My advice to new NANOS members – take advantage of the wisdom and help of your fellow neuro-ophthalmologists and NANOS to advocate for yourself.