We’re all born into families. This unit, our “bio family”, shapes us during childhood and supports us into adulthood as we embrace the challenges and joys that are part of every life’s journey. I’ve had the spectacular fortune of being part of a parallel unit, my “AAO-family,” whose journey has been equally enriching.
I was “born” into this AAO family during fellowship 25 years ago when I was invited to join a new group christened the Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Committee. A handful of newly minted eye surgeons, we were charged with developing programming that reflected the unique perspective of those just starting practice. From these fledgling beginnings, the YOs have blossomed into an entire division whose organizational chart and infrastructure rival that of its AAO parent. Though I am now closer to being a Senior Ophthalmologist (SO) than a YO, I am a lifelong YOH (YO at heart) and remain an enthusiastic advocate for this vital membership demographic.
As in most bio families, my many AAO mentors or “parents” emphasized education as the gateway to success. In 1998, I was accepted to the inaugural class of the Academy’s Leadership Development Program (without even having to claim I was on my high school rowing team). As in most prestigious schools, the classroom instruction was exceptional – I regularly apply valuable skills in political activism, public speaking and effective team management honed long ago in the LDP. More importantly, I was exposed to classmates who were influential and committed thought leaders in our field. I remain close to many of those alumni who, over the years, have continued their selfless dedication to organized ophthalmology.
After LDP graduation, I landed several jobs as an AAO “adult” (and my Academy parents were just as proud of this achievement as any bio parent would be). These include stints on the Lifelong Education for the Ophthalmologist and Ethics committees, a term on the EyeNet Editorial Board and 10 cumulative years sitting around the Board of Trustees table – four years as an at-large trustee and six years as the secretary of membership. The pay was lousy (as in nonexistent) but like many workers, I kept these jobs for the benefits. No, not the 401(k) or health insurance, as there were neither, but for the chance to get to know and rub elbows with some of the greatest and most dedicated volunteers and leaders I have ever known – all committed in service to the singular mission of preserving sight and empowering lives.
They say you can’t choose your parents. I got lucky in both the bio family department, as well as with my adopted AAO-family. As we celebrate this year’s Academy “reunion” in San Francisco, I recognize the supreme and rare privilege I have been given as the nominee to preside over this global family. From a former YO to a soon-to-be SO with all the years of dedicated service in between, I pledge, if elected, to bring a unique membership perspective to my role as your president-elect for 2020, an especially visionary year for our AAO family.