Pate is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Optometry who completed her residency at UABSO. Upon the completion of her residency, she then joined the UAB School of Optometry faculty in July 2005, where she currently is an Associate Professor in the Department of Optometry and Vision Science.
Describe yourself in 3 words. Dedicated, detailed, and busy.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming/current students, what would it be? To strongly consider a post-graduate residency. I have seen residencies change so many students’ lives. What you will gain in one short year and the connections you make through your residency will be invaluable for your future career.
Why did you become an optometrist? I discovered optometry through a summer internship at an OD’s office in Gettysburg, PA after my junior year in college. I stayed at college during that last summer to wrap up a research project for my biology degree and realized very quickly that I was not cut out for a career in botany. The health science director at Gettysburg set me up to spend time shadowing some local health care providers, including an optometrist. He made the biggest impact on my decision to pursue optometry at PCO.
Why did you enter the field of education? I actually entered education by chance and the right timing, I’d say. My residency at UAB first opened my eyes to the possibility of academia. After working part time at both a private practice and at a satellite clinic for the school following my residency, a full time position opened up at the school (to teach CEVS). I applied, and the rest is history I guess! Now that I look back at my career choice, I am able to really enjoy so many different aspects of the profession through academia – I am able to see my own patients, work with talented residents and students, lecture in the classroom, and participate in scholarly contributions and service to the profession. Every day is different, every semester is different, and I am constantly challenged to stay up to date in an ever changing field!
Do you have an area of specialty, if so, what is it? I did my residency in family practice, and do enjoy a little bit of everything that optometry has to offer! I see patients of all ages in my practice at the UOG, and am an attending in the Ocular Disease service of UAB Eye Care. I have also been an attending in the Cornea and Contact Lens and Primary Care services as well. I teach Anterior Segment Ocular Disease, so would consider that my primary area of interest.
If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? I’d love the ability to clone myself so that I can be in multiple places at once. Some days, I feel as if there aren’t enough hours in the day to fit everything in. This way, I could get my work done (and more efficiently), and spend more time with my family, both at home and far away!
Is there anything about you that your students or other faculty may not know? I’ve run a half marathon in 12 different states since my son Parker was born. I also was once a contestant on the Price is Right.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment outside of the field of Optometry? My children – I have a daughter, Adelyn, who is 8 and a son, Parker who is 4. They constantly keep me busy outside of Optometry and I love every minute of watching them grow and succeed.