The Academy Foundation is pleased to give special recognition to mentees who have honored their mentors with gifts of $5,000 or more:
George A. Williams, MD, honors:
Thomas M. Aaberg Sr., MD, MSPH
“If you look up the word mentor, there is a good chance you will find a picture of Tom Aaberg. Tom is the consummate gentleman academic clinician who trained a generation of residents, fellows and junior faculty in Milwaukee and Atlanta many of whom became mentors and leaders in their own right as professors, department chairs, academic society and Academy presidents. I had the great privilege of working with Tom as a resident, fellow and colleague during his tenure at the Medical College of Wisconsin.”
Gary W. Abrams, MD
“Gary was my mentor as a resident, fellow and colleague at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was instrumental in my development as a surgeon and academician and ingrained in me the value of participating in surgical innovation and clinical trials. The one thing Gary could not teach me is his appreciation for fine country music.”
Trexler M. Topping, MD
“Trex completes the amazing triumvirate of my Milwaukee mentors. He also guided me as a resident and fellow. He introduced me to the wonders of fine Scottish whisky and I have never looked back. When it was time for Trex to return home to Boston, I had the privilege of taking over his clinical practice. Trex and I have remained close friends over the years. We worked together on OMIC for 15 years where I marveled at his penetrating insights and enjoyed his wicked sense of humor.”
William L. Rich III, MD
“It is difficult to imagine a better mentor in the area of health policy than Bill Rich. I first met Bill at a RUC meeting where he advised me to keep my mouth shut and ears open. Words to live by. Subsequently, I served on the RUC during Bill’s tenure as Chair and learned from his diplomacy, tact and insight which have benefited all of ophthalmology in ways few realize. As Academy Medical Director for Health Policy, Bill repeatedly emphasized patient-focus advocacy as the key to success in the increasingly byzantine world of Washington health care politics. Again, words to live by.”
Gregory P. Kwasny, MD
“I first met Greg during my residency at the Milwaukee VA where he did his best to teach me intracapsular cataract extraction and refraction. Upon completion of that rotation, he was delighted to learn of my interest in retina. Another of my health policy mentors, I worked with Greg as a member of the Academy RUC team where he taught me the nuances of physician payment and I followed him as AAO Secretary for Federal Affairs. The untold hours Greg spent on health policy and physician reimbursement were recognized by the Academy with the Outstanding Advocate Award in 2017.”
Jane C. Edmond, MD, honors Dan B. Jones, MD
“'DBJ'” has supported me in many stages of my career: my residency, faculty position (x2), and my second, late in life, fellowship. I love and admire DBJ’s brilliance, memorable bon mots, and instilling in me the drive to strive for excellence. - Xxoo Janie!"
Gregory L. Skuta, MD, honors Douglas R. Anderson, MD
"For decades, Douglas R. Anderson, MD, has been one of the glaucoma community’s most impactful and revered leaders and thinkers, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be among the more than 100 Bascom Palmer Eye Institute glaucoma fellows for whom Doug has served as an enduring role model, friend, mentor and inspiration."
Kenya M. Williams, MD, honors Tamara R. Fountain, MD
"In 2007, during my first job in a siloed rural area outside Chicago I accepted an invitation for the first Chicago Oculoplastics Society dinner. I reintroduced myself since we only met once before, in 2001, during my M4 ophthalmology rotation, in the OR. Since 2007, our relationship has grown, and our friendship has been invaluable. I continue to admire Tamara for her benevolent, gracious spirit and watch her lead with intellectual humility. She is an amazing human being and an enduring role model.
Tamara, thank you for listening, sharing, and encouraging me over the years. You ultimately opened doors that changed the trajectory of my career. You saw me, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
Tamara R. Fountain, MD, honors:
Richard L. Abbott, MD
"Thank you for opening doors for me. It’s been a wonderful, at times bittersweet, journey with you, and our dear Chita, over the years. It is but a small gesture and a token of my gratitude to honor you with this contribution to the Foundation."
Susan H. Day, MD
"Thank you Susan for your lifetime of supportive organizational leadership. You’ve been such a mentor and an idol for me from my earliest days as an Academy member."
William L. Rich III, MD
"From the first time you dusted me in an ASOPRS 5K, you’ve been a hero of mine. Thank you for your lifetime of service to our profession and for mentoring and supporting me over the years."
Bruce E. Spivey, MD
"From the day you lit a fire under my butt to “speak up,” they haven’t been able to shut me up since! I can’t tell you how much you have impacted me over the years, Bruce."
George A. Williams, MD
"My dear Jorge. You’re as close to a “work husband” that I have. We’ve had so much fun on 5 continents and drunk a lot of scotch. You’ve been a great friend, mentor and guiding light for me over the last almost 20 years."
Cheryl L. Huey, MD (not pictured), honors Paul R. Lichter, MD, MS
"Dr. Lichter was my medical school counselor. I was all set to pursue a career in OB/GYN, but he said “Wait! I thought I wanted that also but I found something better. Spend a month on the Ophthalmology Service and see if you don’t change your mind.” I loved it! I have practiced Ophthalmology for 41 years. It has been the most enjoyable career, and I have had a wonderful family life as well. I am not ready to retire yet, as I love my patients and my solo practice."
(Dr. Berry's 100th Birthday)
David F. Chang, MD, honors Frank D. Berry, MD
“Frank was the first ophthalmologist to open a practice in what later became known as Silicon Valley. Immediately after completing my UCSF residency, I took over Frank’s practice upon his retirement. Although I received great training in medical school and residency, I didn't know the first thing about private practice. Fortunately, Frank taught me the "art" of patient communication and how to build a successful practice. For the next 37 years, Frank never lost interest in how I was doing, until he passed away this past February (2021) at the age of 101."
Cathleen M. McCabe, MD, honors Lisa B. Arbisser, MD
"Lisa, you have been an inspiration and an example of a career dedicated to patient advocacy, education, and advancement of ophthalmology. Thank you!"
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