Dr. Maria Kirzhner, a board-certified ophthalmologist with decades of experience, is dedicated to providing exceptional care to her patients. Specializing in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, she is passionate about helping her patients enhance their vision and feel confident in their appearance. Dr. Kirzhner takes great care in developing personalized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Her commitment to detail and patient satisfaction earned her the recognition of “Outstanding Patient Experience” for three consecutive years during her time at the UVA Department of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Kirzhner began her journey in Michigan, where she attended Wayne State University for her undergraduate studies. She later graduated from the New York University School of Medicine in 2004 and completed her residency at the Kresge Eye Institute in Michigan. During her residency, she discovered her passion for ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Kirzhner then pursued a highly competitive 2-year ASOPRS fellowship at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, followed by a year-long fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kirzhner has served patients across multiple states, providing care to both children and adults with eyelid problems. She also offers cosmetic procedures to clients in Charlottesville, VA. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kirzhner is a devoted wife and mother, balancing her dedication to her family with her commitment to her patients’ well-being.
Undergraduate
During her premedical years, she attended Wayne State University in Michigan, where she pursued her undergraduate education. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Chemistry and University Honors from 1996 to 2000.
Medical School
Subsequently, she enrolled at New York University School of Medicine from 2000 to 2004, graduating AOA and forming a significant personal connection with her husband, Eugene Shildkrot. Both opted for careers in Ophthalmology and successfully matched at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, Michigan for their residencies from 2005 to 2008, following a transitional year internship at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn, Michigan (2004-2005).
Residency
During her residency, she specialized in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Securing a coveted two-year ASOPRS fellowship in Tennessee, she spent her first year with Dr. Chris Fleming, Dr. Matt Wilson, and Dr. Barrett Haik at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, followed by training with Dr. Ralph Wesley, Dr. Kim Klippenstein, Dr. Louise Mawn, and Dr. John Fezza at Vanderbilt University from 2008 to 2010.
Career
Upon completing her comprehensive clinical and surgical training, she decided to integrate her expertise with Ophthalmic Pathology, undertaking training with Dr. Frederick Jakobiec at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA from 2010 to 2011.
For the past decade, she has served as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division at the University of Virginia.
