Linda M. Tsai, MD

I am honored to be nominated by the Academy to serve as a Trustee-at-Large of the AAO Board of Trustees. After graduating from Northwestern University Medical School, I completed my ophthalmology residency at Washington University in St. Louis. I was initially drawn to academic medicine after spending an extra year during medical school at the National Eye Institute as a Howard Hughes Research Scholar. At the conclusion of my clinical training, I chose a career as a comprehensive ophthalmologist with a particular focus on cataract surgery. In 2002, after spending 3 years in private practice, I decided to return to Washington University as a full-time faculty member with a practice in Comprehensive Ophthalmology. I hope these varied experiences will help provide unique perspectives that represent the multiple interests and concerns of the Academy membership.

 I have been involved in the AAO in the Clinical Education section in multiple ways. I chaired the Comprehensive Ophthalmology section of the Self-Assessment Committee during the initial development of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) study aides, led one of the revisions for ProVision, and currently serve as the Chair of the Item Review Group. As a member who has recently undergone the process of Board recertification, I understand the importance of resources that the AAO provides for the MOC process. I have also served as an instructor at AAO phacoemulsification courses and am honored to receive the AAO's Achievement Award this year. 

In 2010 I served as President of the Missouri Ophthalmological Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons; through our own state legislative battles, I have experienced first-hand the commitment of AAO's Secretariat for State Affairs. I have also had the opportunity to participate in the AAO's Leadership Development Program. I have lobbied for the last eight years on Capitol Hill at Congressional Advocacy Day and realize the importance of working effectively within organized medicine. The unified voice of the AAO is essential for ophthalmology as a profession, allowing us to provide the best quality care for our patients. 

My other professional activities include involvement in the American Eye Study Club, examining for the American Board of Ophthalmology, and serving as Secretary of the Chinese American Ophthalmological Society. I have recently become involved with the Asian-Pacific Leadership Development Program and was a speaker at their Mid-Year Forum this past year. Currently the AAO has over 7000 international members, and its role as an international leader continues to grow and evolve. Through close exchange and interaction, the AAO has the opportunity to assist other international ophthalmic organizations in improving the care of patients around the world. 

Based on my interactions with the AAO leadership group, I have enjoyed meeting an incredible group of dedicated physicians who have given so much to the profession. I would be honored to serve as a Trustee-at-Large of the AAO Board of Trustees and am committed to working hard and contributing to our profession's continued growth and success.