R. Keith Shuler, Jr., M.D., began seeing SERA patients in June 2012, when he and his family moved to Knoxville. Dr. Shuler previously practiced for five years at Carolina Eye Associates in Southern Pines, NC.
“I met Nick Anderson, who is a current SERA physician, when we worked together at Emory University. I wasn’t looking for a change, but he suggested I consider moving my practice and my family to Knoxville. As my wife and I explored the possibilities, we reasoned that a larger university town would have more to offer our children who are 2, 4, 6, and 8 now. I’m really excited about the opportunity to work at SERA and live in East Tennessee.”
Amy Shuler, Keith’s wife, holds a master’s degree in elementary and special education. She was actively involved in their North Carolina schools, serving on school board committees and teaching at Sandhills Community College. Dr. Shuler says, “My goal as a doctor is to treat every patient as family. Keep that in your heart, and I believe you will do the right thing for patients.”
Dr. Shuler is originally from Atlanta, GA. In 1994, with highest distinction, he earned the B.S. in Biology, with a minor in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, in 1998. From there he accepted a two-year surgery residency and internship at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. He moved on to an ophthalmology residency and a post-doctoral fellowship in molecular biology and genetics of the retina at Emory University School of Medicine from 2000 to 2005.
He was awarded the prestigious Heed Fellowship during his clinical fellowship in vitreoretinal disease and surgery at Duke University, Durham, NC, from 2005 to 2007. The Heed Fellowship is highly regarded in the field, as there are only a handful of recipients each year throughout the U.S.
Dr. Shuler was selected as one of four residents and/or fellows in the country to present his research at the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Meeting in 2005. His research interests focus on possible genetic treatments for retinal diseases.
He was awarded the 2006-2007 Hornaday Award as the top fellow at Duke Eye Center – an award given for excellence in clinical care, ethics, and research.