8 Questions With: Dr. Rupa Shah
Dr. Rupa Shah
Where you were born and/raised? I was born in Elyria, OH, and raised primarily in Ohio. I moved to Indiana and Virginia in my youth, but my parents settled in Avon Lake, OH where I completed middle school and high school. My parents were immigrants to the US, so I was a first generation Indian American here!
What was your first job? My first job was an academic position at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. I had the opportunity to staff residents during cataract surgery and during trauma cases that would occur on call. It was a great opportunity for me to overcome some of the challenges that beginning surgeons face.
What made you decide to be a physician and in particular an Ophthalmologist? I have always loved working with my hands. Since being a child, I would always gravitate towards activities such as bead working, painting anything creative! I knew I wanted to work with my hands and do fine detail work. I was introduced to ophthalmology during my 2nd year in medical school and found that the surgical aspect really appealed to me. Having that balance between clinical work and surgery was a great fit for my personality.
What hobbies do you participate in your free time? I still love to do all things crafts, now with my girls. I paint and do creative projects to decorate the house as well as for special occasions like Birthday parties! I also like being active and do activities outdoors with my family, such as hiking and camping
What would you like your fellow CMA physicians to know about you? I truly feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be an ophthalmologist! I am very dedicated to my work and still am in awe how life changing a 10-minute cataract surgery can be for my patients!
In your opinion, which animal is the best (and why)? Monkeys, because of their innate intelligence.
What was the first concert you attended? My first concert was Hootie and the Blowfish.
When you’re able to travel freely again, where is the first place you’d like to go? Arizona or Utah, for a hiking trip with my family.