Katrina brings Farzad Jake Khoubian, M.D. to Southern California

[Question] Tell me a little about your background. Are you a native of New Orleans?

[Dr. Khoubian] I grew up in Southern California and started my ophthalmology residency at Tulane University in New Orleans in the summer of 2005.

[Question] How far into your residency training were you at Tulane when Katrina hit?

[Dr. Khoubian] I was merely two months into my training, just when my stomach was adjusting to the spicy (but delicious) Cajun cooking.

[Question] Where were you when Katrina hit? Please tell me about your experiences during the hurricane.

[Dr. Khoubian] I was in the middle of a difficult weekend on-call, and was not aware of the severity of the storm. Apparently while I was running around three different hospitals, naively believing that I could single-handedly bring 20/20 vision to anyone and everything that came my way, the storm was predicted to reach a category five. It was then that I was told that I had been relieved of my on-call duties, because it was LSU’s year to take hurricane call. Being a native Californian, I had only seen hurricanes on television and had been planning on riding out the storm with my remote control at my side. The little red hurricane symbol you see on the weather channel will never look the same to me again. Once I learned that the mayor was urging residents unwilling to evacuate to purchase hammers in case the need arose to break through rooftops to avoid rising water levels, I knew it was time to leave the city. My friends and I evacuated, nearly at the last minute, to Baton Rouge. This typically uneventful five-hour-drive became a 15 hour endeavor, filled with worries of the storm that was to follow. From there I flew back to California to the safety of my parents’ home.

[Question] What happened during the weeks/months following the hurricane?

[Dr. Khoubian] Although I did not have it nearly as bad as many of those who lost their homes and loved ones, the following months were not easy. I was grateful for not only having survived the hurricane but also having the opportunity to continue my training at Baylor University in Houston and at the VA Hospital in Biloxi Mississippi. However, I did not know if Tulane ophthalmology was ever to re-open again, the future of my ophthalmology training, or the condition of my New Orleans apartment. Having had to move four times in four months, my packing skills have reached professional levels. I now have a back-up career in case Medicare reimbursement continues to fall.

[Question] When/how did you join the residency training program at the Jules Stein Eye Institute (JSEI)?

[Dr. Khoubian] Fate must have brought us together. It just so happened that JSEI had an opening a few months after the hurricane hit. I applied and was accepted for the position in January. I, along with over half of my Tulane classmates, transferred to overcome the educational, financial, and social difficulties imposed in the months following the hurricane.

[Question] Tell me about your experiences at JSEI.

[Dr. Khoubian] I feel privileged to have been accepted into the Jules Stein family. I am grateful to the wonderful residents, fellows and attendings who have welcomed me with open arms. I am particularly grateful to Mrs. Lori Twitchell (residency program coordinator) and her office staff, who have made my transition here as smooth as possible.

[Question] What are your future plans at this point?

[Dr. Khoubian] My plans are to continue to enjoy training and working with the great people here at JSEI. This past year has taught me to have faith. I hope my good wishes and prayers for all of those affected by the hurricane will come to light.