Wendy Hofman, MD, accepted this year's Artemis Award during the AAO 2015 YO Program in Las Vegas for her work in Gabon, West Africa. In just a few years, she has built an eye clinic from the ground up and started a three-year ophthalmology residency program — the only one of its kind. Dr. Hofman was nominated for the award by the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. The Artemis Award recognizes a young ophthalmologist who has demonstrated caring and service of an exemplary degree to his or her patients.
One of Dr. Hofman’s residents, Bintou Peterson, MD, attended AAO 2015 with her. In an interview at the meeting, Dr. Peterson said her training in ophthalmology helps her “make a difference” — both as a physician and a role model. Already, she said she has had young girls ask about doing surgery. Some men have also said they would like their daughters to become doctors like her.
“My motivation and inspiration for what I do is knowing about God’s love,” said Dr. Hofman. “I want to show that and live that out for my patients. I feel that everyone is important. And when they look at me with trust and hope in their eyes … I just really want to do my best for them.”
Watch part of Dr. Hofman’s acceptance speech at AAO 2015.
(Nominations for the Artemis Award are solicited annually from department chairs and program directors as well as from leaders of state, subspecialty and specialized interest societies.)