Glen Brindley Mentorship Program

Impacting for Eternity

Glen Brindley, M.D.
Sept. 3, 1949 – Aug. 1, 2018

Purpose of Mentorship:
We believe mentoring takes place when a person senses a need for growth and seeks to learn from someone. At their best, mentors will walk alongside you and God to provide wisdom, shape your character, and nurture your soul. Our desire is to help you find someone who can assist you in your vocational and spiritual development.

Glen Brindley’s Example:
Glen Brindley was an active member and supporter of the COS since its foundation. With his passing in 2018, we remember his professional and spiritual impact on so many ophthalmologists that he mentored throughout his career.

The Bible gives many examples of mentoring relationships, illustrating the importance of sharing what you know with someone else. Jesus Himself demonstrated this throughout His ministry with His disciples. Within our profession, it is important that we demonstrate the qualities of servant leadership, transparency, humbleness and faithfulness to each other and the younger generation.

Dr. Brindley encouraged ophthalmologists to not only excel professionally, but he equally encouraged them to become better spouses and followers of Christ. Glen was an incredible example of what it means to be a mentor.

How the Program Works
After expressing an interest in the program, we will send you a questionnaire and one of the mentorship directors will follow up with a phone call at your convenience. Getting to know more about you will help us make a good mentor-mentee match. Then, through prayerful consideration, we will pair you with another ophthalmologist.

We encourage you to meet monthly by phone or video call for about an hour. Monthly material to discuss will be provided through the program; however, you are free to walk through a Bible-based study together or pick another agreed upon topic.

Medical Students Seeking a Mentor

At whatever stage in your journey in Ophthalmology, the COS desires to match all those inquiring about the Mentoring program. With that in mind, we have created something specific to connect and support Medical Students as they take this medical training trek and consider their career future. We have started a COS Medical Student Zoom Group that meets every other month. We hope it’s a source of spiritual encouragement, while receiving some practical advice. To be added to the Zoom group, please click on “Sign up Here“.

Meet Our Mentorship Coordinators

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Lee Helms, M.D.

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Jill Rodila, M.D.

From our Participants

Kenny Lao

"Dr. Brindley taught and modeled before me the importance of ordering my priorities - my faith, my family, my work. He loved God and His Word, he loved his family, and he loved people. You could not ask for a more faithful, God-fearing, humble boss. I returned to Scott & White because I wanted to work for Dr. Brindley. He would always check on my own faith walk, my marriage, my kids, and lastly, my work. I miss him. The culture of Christian service he created in our department will continue in his honor and for God's glory."

Professor, Scott & White

Kenny Lao, MD

Student

"The mentor/mentee program through the Christian Ophthalmology Society has been instrumental as I pursue my aspirations of becoming an ophthalmologist. My mentor and I quickly connected and began discussing the role of faith and the Christian walk as it relates to the practice of ophthalmology, as well as day-to-day life. I am so thankful for this excellent program that connects Christians in the field of ophthalmology!"

-- Student

Hayden Smiley

"The Glen Mentor Program has been a blessing! It’s awesome having an opportunity to receive wise counsel, pray together, and discuss life. It has certainly encouraged me in my walk with Christ. I’m grateful to COS for the opportunity! In Him."

-- Hayden Smiley / Medical Student

Female Mentor

The mentorship program has given me the opportunity to spiritually encourage and share life experiences that I have gone through that are unique to being a Christian woman ophthalmologist. I wish I had such a mentor during the early years of my career and now I have the opportunity to provide the guidance and encouragement I so desperately wished I had.

-- Female Mentor

Male Ophthalmology Resident

The thing that has helped me the most about the mentor program is having someone who has been through very similar experiences and shares common values, gives honest advice, encouragement, and accountability. As an Ophthalmology resident, it is easy to feel isolated or think that the struggles I face are unique, but building a relationship with someone who has been through residency and is living out his walk in the next phase of life gives me confidence in facing the challenges now and emboldens me about the future.

-- Male Ophthalmology Resident

Female Ophthalmology Fellow

My mentor has been encouraging, comforting, and cool to get to know. We have a lot in common but she is further along her path than I am. I trust her advice and wisdom. I’m grateful to have a different kind of mentor than I’ve ever had before.

-- Female Ophthalmology Fellow