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Conversations with Sabrina Cordell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Cordell.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor and I admired all my family members that were in the medical field. As I got older, I went back and forth on what healthcare profession I wanted to specifically be in but ultimately pursued optometry. My family is my everything and with their support, I was able to become an optometrist AND pursue a career as a yoga instructor. I truly believe in preventative medicine and believe that when you take care of your body (physically, spiritually, and emotionally) through good habits and exercises, you can live a longer and happier life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course not. I don’t know a single person who has pursued medicine and thought, “this is going to be a breeze.” I think the most important qualities for going after your dreams are perseverance and authenticity and that was something I felt was challenged frequently. I’m a very “GO GO GO” person and thrive off a busy schedule. I decided in my first year of optometry school I wanted to train to become a yoga instructor and invested over 300 hours of training on top of my didactic and clinical schedule. Staying on track for school AND staying true to who I was became difficult. It was easy to get lost in all of the studying and in the idea of who I thought I should be as a healthcare provider. Overall, I experienced frequent mental breakdowns from the workload and identity crises, but continued to push forward towards my goals.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an optometrist, an eye doctor that can examine, diagnose, and treat your eyes. I’m notorious for the ” 1 or 2″ test, which is called a refraction, to check your vision and prescribe/fit glasses and contact lenses. I monitor medically related eye conditions related to systemic diseases like diabetes or hypertension and manage/treat conditions like glaucoma. What I feel sets me apart from others is my “what you see is what you get” personality and staying 100% authentic to my patients. I am very, very true to who I am and my upbeat self shines in the exam room. I like to believe that patients appreciate when their doctor tries to build that communication and relationship with them. I am most proud of my “double life” as an eye doctor and yoga instructor and the ability it has given me to keep things real and authentic with my patients.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
To do my best in life at work and personally, I have to stay inspired and always stay learning. I read a lot of optometry magazines (which makes me sound so old, LOL). I read research papers and journals on Pubmed regarding new treatment options and I ask other doctors what treatments and modalities they’re utilizing to stay modern.

Contact Info:


Image Credits:

Matteo Marchese

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