State Affairs Secretariat Presents its 2018 Hall of Fame Award

The Secretariat for State Affairs Hall of Fame award is given each year during the Academy's Fall Council Meeting to an Academy member whose lifelong patient advocacy demonstrates a committment to public policies supporting quality medical and surgical eye care in their home state. This year's award was presented to Maryland ophthalmologist Basil Morgan, MD. 

It is nearly impossible to talk about Maryland’s legislative victories for patient safety and quality eye care without mentioning Dr. Morgan's name. For decades, through his tremendous work with the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MSEPS) and the Academy, Dr. Morgan has served as an inspiring leader, trusted mentor, and tireless advocate.

Dr. Morgan has been a valued leader and mentor to numerous other Maryland ophthalmologists eager to get involved with patient advocacy. There is no question that he leads by example. He is a constant presence during legislative events and meetings, and has worked hard to build meaningful relationships within the Maryland General Assembly to preserve the highest standards of quality eye care for the citizens of the Old Line State. Dr. Morgan’s knowledge about the inner workings of Maryland politics and the legislative process in Annapolis knows no bounds. He shares this knowledge freely to trusted colleagues and befriends young ophthalmologists, bringing them along in their advocacy education. 

Dr. Morgan is always available – before work, in between patients, at the end of a long work day, and on the weekends – to answer tough questions about how to handle particularly tricky legislative quandaries. Not only has he been a crucial  asset to the MSEPS legislative team, but also to the Maryland State Medical Society.

Dr. Morgan is on staff at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore, MD.  He is a 1974 graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completed his internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.  He is a former MSEPS president and served twice as its legislative chair. He has also served as a distinguished member of the Academy’s Council representing MSEPS, and was awarded the Academy’s Achievement Award in 2015.