I am honored to be nominated for a second term as senior secretary for ophthalmic practice.
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics and economics from Yale University in 1993. In 1997, I earned a medical degree from the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and completed my ophthalmology residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in 2001. I am a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon with Regional Eye Associates in Cherry Hill, N.J. I am also an instructor on the cataract and primary eye care service at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia.
I was drawn to the Academy’s educational and research mission as a member of the Young Ophthalmologists Committee. As part of the Leadership Development Program (LDP VI), I presented “Complications of Laser Surgery” with a live laser demonstration at an Academy and VETs Act Coalition symposium at the U.S. Capitol. I learned the importance of patient advocacy and relationships with legislators in our mission of protecting sight. LDP is among the Academy’s crown jewels. I developed essential skills and formed relationships with colleagues who advocate for patients across the country.
I’ve continued to serve the Academy in numerous capacities, including the Academy Revitalization Study Group. As an Academy delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) and past-president of a state society, I’ve advocated on the front lines as critical issues are presented which have the potential to either protect or threaten sight. As a member of the AMA Council on Medical Service, chair of the AMA Ophthalmology Section Council and former chair of the AMA Young Physicians Section, I also work with leaders across medical specialties on critical issues which affect the practice of medicine nationwide.
My first term as senior secretary of ophthalmic practice started in January 2020, two months before ophthalmic practices shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Academy quickly pivoted to help colleagues navigate an uncharted course and to maintain practice viability. Through collaboration between physician and administrator leaders, the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives® (AAOE®) continues to identify objectives, amplify strength and achieve key results.
I have dedicated my professional life to being a clinician, surgeon and patient advocate. As a member of the communications secretariat and Academy clinical spokesperson, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of media training and messaging across numerous platforms. Through social media, I’ve worked to educate the public on critical issues within ophthalmology and across the house of medicine.
Practice management is essential as ophthalmic practices face increasing regulatory, payer-based, and non-clinical challenges post-COVID. The Academy must continue to develop cutting edge initiatives to help colleagues educate, research and innovate across practice settings and subspecialties. Executive leadership training programs will help members navigate the changing landscape. As senior secretary for ophthalmic practice, I look forward to continuing to work with fellow trustees, AAOE board members and colleagues in a shared mission of protecting sight and empowering lives.