Soar.

There is a specific kind of adrenaline that hits you right after you step off the podium. It’s a mix of relief and exhilaration—a "runner's high" for the academic soul.

I recently returned from a national ophthalmology conference held in the stunning Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Standing in front of my peers, I had the privilege of speaking about virtual reality visual field testing. I shared our experiences integrating these headsets into our busy ophthalmology clinics and, perhaps most importantly, utilizing them in our outreach efforts. In rural clinics where standard bulky perimeters are impossible to transport, VR technology is revolutionizing how we screen for and manage glaucoma. We are finally bringing the gold standard of care to patients who previously had limited access, closing the gap in healthcare disparities one headset at a time.

But a conference is never just about the data.

While we can debate the nuances of sponsorship content or the logistics of the schedule, there is always a higher goal at these gatherings. It is about the camaraderie. It is about finding a space where we can share not just "teaching pearls," but also our shared stressors.

In the relaxed atmosphere of Puerto Rico, against a backdrop of lush rainforests and ocean breezes, I found myself commiserating with colleagues about the unique pressures we face. We talked about the flight delays that nearly derailed our trips, the "home duties guilt" that tugs at us when we leave our families behind, and the balancing act of being a physician, a parent, and a person.

Why do we bother with the expense and the travel chaos? We do it for the connection. We do it because, inevitably, there is food for thought that you cannot get from a Zoom call. We do it to recharge our passion for our field. We learn, we teach, and we return to our practices stronger than before.

So, to my colleagues: Chase your dreams. Embrace the innovation. And don’t be afraid to take the trip.

Soar.