As my clinical practice career comes to a close, I would like to share my gratitude and thanks for your support throughout my journey. Thank you to all of my business and industry partners, mentors, ophthalmology colleagues, friends, support staff and especially, my patients. You have made my thirty years of practice stimulating, intellectually challenging and extremely satisfying. When I came to Annapolis, Maryland, in 1993, I pledged to myself that I would do my very best to offer state-of-the-art, cutting-edge ophthalmic surgery and challenged myself to be the very best surgeon I could be. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed attending and participating in numerous meetings, lectures, industry events and FDA clinical trials, which enabled me to hone my skills and meet fabulous people, who not only let me learn from them, but became lifelong friends in the process. The opportunity I have been given to help restore and preserve sight has been a precious gift to me.
The day I discovered ophthalmology is the day I found my passion. From meeting and caring for my patients to the fun and family-oriented atmosphere formed with my amazing staff and team, it has rarely felt like work. I equally enjoyed the opportunity to bring new and advanced technologies to the practice, as well as the entrepreneurial side of building first Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center and now Vision Innovation Partners (VIP).
For several reasons, I find that it is time for me to retire from clinical practice. I will move to a more administrative role within VIP, will remain an active member of the Board of Directors and shift my time from my own patients to mentoring the next generation of gifted and talented surgeons who will continue the legacy of great care we have established for our patients here at VIP. I am extremely proud of the team that we built and have continued trust and confidence in our very talented financial partner, Gryphon Investors. I cannot wait to see what the future holds and I look forward to watching the practice continue to grow and serve our community.
It has been an extraordinary thirty years. When I was younger, I vividly remember writing down my goals and plans, and I can say with confidence that my life has far exceeded my dreams.
I especially want to thank my husband, Matt, for his unwavering love and support, as well as our children, Matt and Reilly, my family, our nanny, my practice partners, Dr. Heather Nesti and Dr. Orin Zwick, and my colleague and friend, Michael Dunn, who was my CEO at Chesapeake Eye Care and then became the founding CEO of VIP. You have all encouraged, trusted and supported me in immeasurable ways.
I am forever grateful above all for the trust of my patients, the opportunities you all have given me and the friendships we have created. It has been a spectacular ride. Matt and I look forward to the next chapter of our lives!
Sincerely,
Maria Scott, MD
Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center
Vision Innovation Partners