Meet the Program Director

Meet the Residency Program Director - Dr. Matthew Nutaitis

1. Where are you from, what is your background, and how long have you been with the program?

I was born in Carlisle, Pa. and grew up in Northern Virginia. It was here that I completed my 26 year career in the United States Navy as a Glaucoma specialist and teaching faculty at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD.  I was recruited by Storm Eye and joined the Department as Program Director in 2007.

2. What made you choose Charleston/ Storm Eye /and the position of PD?

I completed my Glaucoma Fellowship at Storm Eye June 1992.  The year we spent in Charleston at SEI was fun–terrific city, warm weather, easy winters and a great department to work in. Of note, the program was compact with minimal driving to all possible clinic sites, had a strong VA with experienced teachers, generated terrific clinical and surgical numbers and had great teachers at the MUSC/SEI location.  All required to make the Program Director’s job a success.

3. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Directing the training of the residents and guiding the teaching from the faculty. We take the match applicant to our residency program from a graduated 4th year medical student, to a talented ophthalmic surgeon in 48 months!

4. What are the strengths of this program?  

Easy—our talented teaching faculty, great residents and the tremendous support provided by the department.

5. What advice would you give to a future applicant to the residency program?  

Rank us high on your match list -- Storm Eye Institute is a proven strong program in the country. 

6. What can a future applicant expect from the program?

We are currently growing in both faculty numbers and clinic space including OR locations.  This growth is important to allow our department to continue as one of the top programs in the country.