In May, Ariane Kaplan, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, became the U-M Department of Ophthalmology Residency Program Director. Dr. Kaplan accepted the position after more than a decade of involvement in medical student and resident education. During this time, she has served as an educator and advisor, then as associate residency program director, and now as residency program director. “Being an alumna of the residency program drives my dedication to its success,” says Dr. Kaplan. “I have a passion for medical education and I’m invested in seeing our program succeed. First and foremost, I want to support our residents so that they can achieve their professional goals and reach their potential.” Dr. Kaplan’s primary goal is to provide individual support for each resident, recognizing their different career paths. “Some will go directly into practice, and others will pursue competitive fellowships,” she says. “I want all residents to fulfill their potential and be prepared for independent practice.” Among her short-term goals is enhancing surgical training. “We are expanding the surgical wet lab curriculum, thanks largely to the efforts of our new associate program director Annie Wu, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences,” says Dr. Kaplan. Additionally, a new, detailed end-of-rotation evaluation system has been implemented for more consistent and specific resident feedback, developed with Breanna Tracey, M.D., Assistant Program Director for this academic year. Dr. Kaplan is also working on strengthening research mentoring and curricular structure, with input from Adam Brent Jacobson, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, as well as introducing an optional clinician-scientist track. Finally, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System partnership continues to be a crucial element of residents’ surgical training, coordinated through Denise John, M.D., FRCSC, Associate Residency Program Director and Chief of Ophthalmology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Dr. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of mentorship. "There have been so many instrumental mentors in my path. I am fortunate to be able to serve in that same capacity now with our own residents,” she says. To this end, she has developed multiple mentoring programs and is launching a new resident mentoring initiative. “A new surgical mentoring initiative pairs senior residents with faculty to create a supportive environment during their final and most intensive year of surgical training,” says Dr. Kaplan.