20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

Dr. Riyad Khamis & Dr. Fred Cho
  • 0.0 (0)
  • CAREERS

How can we do what we love and love what we do? Join Drs. Fred Cho and Riyad Khamis—two optometrists who broke the mold—as they dive into the messy, imperfect, and personal journey to finding work happiness. In this podcast, we explore burnout, bold pivots, and finding joy in our work. Expect honest conversations, real stories, and practical insights for modern professionals who want more joy and freedom. Redefine success & find your "20/happy".

  1. 3D AGO

    From Nigeria to Michigan: Dr. Clement Nwadozi on Cultural Diversity, Optometry Residencies, and Work-Life Balance

    In this episode of 20/Happy, hosts Dr. Fred Cho and Dr. Riyad Khamis reunite with their classmate Dr. Clement Nwadozi to explore how his multicultural upbringing shaped his approach to optometry and patient care. Dr. Nzi shares his journey from West Africa through Cuba, Hong Kong, and Canada before settling in Lansing, Michigan. He discusses the value of optometry residencies and his transition to practice ownership. The conversation dives into burnout prevention, the importance of taking calculated risks, and how autonomy and meaningful work contribute to career happiness.

    36 min

  2. FEB 9

    Beyond Success: Dr. Melissa Barnett on Giving Back and Uplifting Others

    Dr. Melissa Barnett is a world-renowned expert in scleral lenses and specialty contact lenses who has authored over 300 articles and delivered 500+ lectures world-wide. Today, her greatest satisfaction comes from something different: coaching and empowering other optometrists to reach their full potential. In this episode, we explore: How scleral lenses change not just patients' lives, but entire families and communitiesPractical tips for getting started with scleral lens fittingDr. Barnett's journey to professional credentialed coachThe shift from personal achievement to making broader impactWork-life alignment (not balance!) and non-negotiables for career happinessWhether you're interested in specialty lenses or wondering what the next chapter of your career could look like, this conversation will inspire you. Dr. Melissa Barnett's Contact: https://alpinebluecoaching.info/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissabarnett/

    39 min

  3. FEB 2

    From Clinic to Global Impact: Dr. Diane van Staden on Career Pivots and Finding Your Purpose

    Dr. Diane van Staden joins Fred and Riyad to share her remarkable journey from clinical optometry to public health advocacy, academia, and career coaching. After practicing optometry in South Africa, Diane made a bold decision to leave clinical practice without a roadmap to address the public health crisis in eye care access. In this conversation, Diane reveals how she navigated multiple career pivots—from implementing optometry services in underserved provinces to leading health professions education at the university level. She opens up about her decision to walk away from a clear path to becoming Dean of Health Sciences to reset her life around her values, and how a sabbatical in Canada changed everything. Connect with Dr. Diane: Instagram: @DrDianevanStaden LinkedIn: Dr. Diane van Staden Email: info@lifebeyondclinicalpractice.com Podcast: Life Beyond Clinical Practice

    38 min

  4. JAN 19

    From Dentistry to Coaching: Dr. Laura Brenner

    After 10 years of practicing dentistry, Dr. Laura Brenner made a bold decision: she left clinical practice to become a certified professional coach, blogger, and speaker. In this conversation, Laura shares her journey from burnout to fulfillment. She opens up about being a perfectionist and people pleaser, and how she now helps others design careers on their own terms. We discuss: Why empaths in healthcare struggle with boundariesThe power of creative side projectsPractical advice for professionals feeling stuckHow to give yourself permission to changeLaura's message is clear: change is possible when you stop waiting for permission and start taking action. Laura's Website: https://www.lolabeescareercoaching.com/

    46 min

  5. JAN 5

    Beauty Trends Meet Eye Health - with Dr. Janice Luk

    In this episode, we explore the intersection of beauty trends and optometry with Dr. Janice Luk, discussing dry eye, lash culture, collaboration beyond traditional eye care, and how curiosity and passion can shape a more fulfilling, unconventional career.  This episode is for optometrists and students who feel the pull to create something more—whether that’s speaking, writing, teaching, building, or simply designing a career that feels aligned.

    37 min

  6. 12/14/2025

    Finding Work Happiness: Dr. Sandra Chiu's Journey to a Small Ontario Town

    Ever wonder if there's more to optometry than grinding through back-to-back patients? Dr. Sandra Chiu certainly did. After years of working grueling schedules in Toronto's busiest practices, the pandemic gave her an unexpected gift: time to think about what she actually wanted. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Sandra shares how she went from Toronto valedictorian to burned-out associate to thriving small-town practice owner—all while rediscovering her love for optometry along the way. She talks candidly about recognizing burnout, taking the leap into ownership, navigating decision fatigue, and why she now refuses to work weekends (spoiler: no patient emergency is that urgent). If you've ever felt stuck in your career, wondered about practice ownership, or questioned whether optometry is still the right fit, this episode is for you.

    32 min

  7. 11/30/2025

    Burnout to Balance: Dr. Hewitt's Journey Into Mental Health Counselling

    Dr. Brittany Hewitt, an optometrist turned mental health counselor, shares her personal burnout journey and how the pandemic gave her space to reconnect with forgotten passions. We discuss the silent signs of healthcare burnout affecting 57% of professionals, practical prevention strategies like mindfulness and setting boundaries, and why protecting time for hobbies is essential.  Dr. Hewitt reveals how pursuing counseling psychology transformed both her careers and offers advice on recognizing stress signals before hitting the wall. A must-listen for any healthcare worker feeling overwhelmed or seeking better work-life balance.

    42 min

  8. 11/16/2025

    Hindsight is 20/20: 3 Things We Wish We Knew in Optometry School

    Join optometrists Fred and Riyad as the duo shares valuable lessons the hosts wish had been learned during optometry school. Recording from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Fred and Riyad discuss essential career advice for current students and recent graduates. Whether you're a pre-optometry student, current student, or recent graduate, this episode offers practical insights from professionals who've been in your shoes.

    28 min
See All (16)

About

How can we do what we love and love what we do? Join Drs. Fred Cho and Riyad Khamis—two optometrists who broke the mold—as they dive into the messy, imperfect, and personal journey to finding work happiness. In this podcast, we explore burnout, bold pivots, and finding joy in our work. Expect honest conversations, real stories, and practical insights for modern professionals who want more joy and freedom. Redefine success & find your "20/happy".

Information