This month, PGY-4 residents at the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology celebrated their graduation after four years of long clinic days, honing surgical techniques, and gaining invaluable knowledge. All six residents have placed for the upcoming year as ophthalmologists across the US.
Anne Strong Caldwell, MD, and Dallin Milner, MD, will both be starting vitreoretinal diseases and surgery fellowships; Caldwell at Tufts University and Milner at Emory University. Garrett (Conner) Nix, MD, will remain affiliated with CU as an assistant professor of ophthalmology, serving patients at Denver Health.
Three of the residents are moving into positions at private practices: Matthew Tukel, MD, in Michigan, where he will be completing an oculoplastic, orbital, and reconstructive surgery fellowship; Jonathan Volkin, MD, in Colorado; and Stephanie Wangyu, MD, in California.
"It is exciting to honor the University of Colorado gradating ophthalmology residency class of 2025,” says Monica Ertel, MD, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology and residency program director at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center. “This group of remarkable ophthalmologists will serve patients in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Detroit, and San Francisco. The CU faculty are so proud of the hard work and dedication of this class, and we look forward to the wonderful things they are going to accomplish in the future."
Third-generation ophthalmologist Matthew Tukel, MD, was one of the residents who celebrated their 2025 graduation from the Department of Ophthalmology residency program. Tukel was drawn to the field for a number of reasons, he says, including his familial exposure, the hands-on nature of surgery, the ability to impact patient lives through the restoration of vision, and the technological advancements in ophthalmology.
“Ophthalmology is a field that’s ripe for innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with delicate microsurgery,” Tukel says. “It felt like the perfect space for me to grow—not just as a clinician, but as someone eager to push the field forward.”
Tukel spent time during his residency rotating at multiple local hospitals with a wide range of patient populations, including UC Health, Denver Health, Children’s Hospital of Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA. “I think that experience lends itself to becoming a well-rounded surgeon, because each site exposes you to distinct clinical challenges and disease patterns specific to the community it serves,” Tukel says.
One of the most memorable experiences of the past few years for Tukel was his first ruptured globe repair, a high-stakes emergency requiring immediate intervention and surgical precision. Often considered one of the most devastating ocular traumas, a ruptured globe demands both urgency and technical skill. For Tukel, the case was a transformative moment—an early test of his readiness and a powerful reminder of the impact ophthalmic surgery can have.
The support for residents and trainees was one of the most impactful parts of Tukel’s time in residency, he says. New and expanding initiatives at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center offer meaningful support across emotional, financial, and professional domains, helping to create a stable foundation for residents to thrive. Tukel explains that the residency programs at the institution are at the heart of CU’s mission, and he appreciates being able to work in a place where trainees are valued and can feel the weight of their contributions.
Tukel will be returning to his home state of Michigan for a two-year oculoplastic, orbital, and reconstructive surgery fellowship at a private practice near Detroit. His fellowship will encompass a broad spectrum of procedures, including eyelid and facial reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, orbital trauma, and the surgical management of both periocular and orbital tumors. Tukel is eager to return to the community that shaped him, reconnecting with his roots as he embarks on the next chapter of his surgical career.
“As physicians, it’s natural to focus on the care we provide and making the best decisions for our patients in the moment,” Tukel says. “But it’s equally important to pause and reflect on how our patients shape us—how their stories, resilience, and trust help us grow both professionally and personally. No matter what I’ve done for my patients, I truly believe they have given back to me just as much, if not more.”
Graduating resident Jonathan Volkin, MD, found his way to ophthalmology through a more circuitous path. While in college he became involved in pharmaceutical research where he worked with infectious disease doctors and oncologists who steered him toward medical school. Volkin completed a research fellowship during this time and had an excellent time working with the ophthalmologists, basic science researchers, and clinicians. Throughout his medical school rotations, he explored various areas of interest but kept returning to ophthalmology. As he looks forward to the next steps of his career, his focus is on cataract surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology.
“I really like the mix of outpatient, clinical medicine, and surgery,” Volkin says. “And cataract surgery is a field that focuses on quality of life. It’s amazing getting to take the patients through this process and see the positive impacts it has on their lives.”
Throughout his time at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, Volkin appreciated the support and encouragement of faculty members and the technological advancement of the facilities. The ambulatory operating rooms at the Eye Center allow for a much higher volume of surgeries. He credits the team, technology, and hands-on experience with expanding his breadth of knowledge.
“One of the greatest things about the Eye Center is the volume and range of pathology you see. It’s invaluable, and makes you comfortable managing anything from the easy to the complex,” Volkin says.
Working directly with patients is a highlight of Volkin’s experience during residency. One young patient under his care had severe vision issues and astigmatism that were substantially improved after he performed cataract surgery. Seeing these impactful results and what it did for his patient’s self-confidence, happiness, and quality of life confirmed for Volkin that he had chosen the right path. The experience is not limited to just one teenager; he has seen countless patients and their families whose lives have been changed through his and his colleague’s medical care.
Post-residency, Volkin will be joining a private practice in Denver doing comprehensive clinical ophthalmic care as well as cataract and refractive surgery. He reflects back on his residency experience with fondness.
“I would encourage other doctors just starting their residencies to lean in, see as many patients as you can, and try to get involved in any situation or case that presents itself,” Volkin says. “The University of Colorado is an amazing place to have these opportunities.”