# How to Leverage a Residency and Specialty into Private Practice

By Health · Published 2024-05-01 · Updated 2026-06-22 · Healthcare on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/healthcare/how-to-leverage-a-residency-and-specialty-into-private-practice
Creator hub: CooperVision

> Early-career optometrists can accelerate their path to independent practice by strategically building on specialized training and clinical expertise

## Key points

- Specialized training accelerates the transition to independent practice for optometrists.
- Building on residency experience is crucial for early-career optometrists.
- Work-life balance is important in the optometry profession.

Block Field

What challenges and opportunities do young optometrists encounter as they navigate their early optometric careers? **Dr. Stephanie Schumacher**, OD, FAAO, recently joined [CooperVision's](https://marketscale.com/shows/coopervision/) **Dr. Steve Rosinski**, OD, in this recent ECP Viewpoints ℠ Podcast where she shares insight on how she leveraged her optometry school experience and cornea and contact lens residency to help launch her first full-time role at an OD/MD practice. **Dr. Schumacher** also offers tips on how to create a work-life balance when you're first getting started in the profession.

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