Ophthalmologist:

In the realm of the eye, I stand and stare,

Through lenses and lights, with a gentle glare.

For children with orbs, so pure and so white,

I search for the shadows that shouldn’t be right.

Pediatrician:

In the world of the young, I stand by your side,

Guiding their health, in you I confide.

Tell me, dear friend, of this thing you see,

In the eyes of the young, what could it be?

Ophthalmologist:

It’s retinoblastoma, a foe quite sly,

Hiding and lurking in a young child’s eye.

A tumor it is, malignant and rare,

But with swift intervention, there’s hope in the air.

Pediatrician:

Such tiny beings, with battles so grand,

I admire your work, lend a helping hand.

How do we combat, this intruder so vile?

To ensure for the child, a future worthwhile?

Ophthalmologist:

With lasers and cryo, we’ll freeze it away,

Or with chemotherapy, we’ll keep it at bay.

The journey’s not easy, tears may be shed,

But hope is our beacon, where we’re being led.

Pediatrician:

Together we stand, as guardians of sight,

With knowledge and care, we’ll make it all right.

For every young patient, we’ll give all we’ve got,

To ensure that this battle is one that’s hard-fought.

Ophthalmologist:

In unity, we’ll face this challenge head on,

With love, care, and science, till the darkness is gone.

For the eyes of the young, so innocent and clear,

Deserve a bright future, one free from fear.

Author Description: “In a Clinic, Halls of Care” is a poetic dialogue between an ophthalmologist and a pediatrician, detailing their roles and the challenges they face together, specifically in diagnosing and treating retinoblastoma—a rare and malignant eye tumor in children. Through heartfelt verses, the poem underscores the importance of collaboration in the medical field and emphasizes the commitment these doctors have towards ensuring the well-being of young patients.

Download a copy of In a Clinic, Halls of Care – Antonio Yaghy, MD & Maria Yaghy, MD

Bio: Antonio Yaghy, MD earned his medical degree from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Following his graduation, he dedicated two years to ocular oncology research at Wills Eye Hospital and another two years to retina research in the OCT lab at the New England Eye Center. In addition to his passion for ophthalmic research, he finds happiness in sitting down during his free time and creating digital art, playing music, and writing poems. His other works were selected for publication in three issues of the AMA Journal of Ethics/ American Medical Association.

Maria Yaghy, MD is a pediatrician who completed her residency at Saint Georges University Hospital Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon. She pursued additional training in pediatric infectious diseases, pulmonary medicine, and emergency medicine in both Lyon and Marseille, France. Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing the piano, dancing, and traveling. 

NB: Maria and Antonio are fraternal twins.