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A PUBLICATION OF THE EDWARD S. HARKNESS EYE INSTITUTE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY ıewpoınt IN THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS V FALL 2012/WINTER 2013 Board of Advisors Welcomes Sir INSIDE

Howard Stringer as New Chairman View from the Chair 2 The Residency The Department of Ophthalmology, and it is truly an honor Training Program: Ophthalmology’s Board of to be invited to chair the Board of Balance in Action Advisors has welcomed Sir Advisors,” Sir Howard said. “I look for- Howard Stringer as its new ward to working with everyone there as Chairman. Sir Howard has assumed I attempt to fill the very large shoes of Science Insight 3 the chairmanship from Louis V. my good friend, Lou Gerstner, while also Gerstner, Jr., former Chairman and echoing the inspiration of the Glaucoma as a redoubtable Dr. Stanley Chang.” Clinical and a CEO of IBM. Public Health Sir Howard, who is Chairman of the Before joining Sony in May 1997, Sir Problem Board of Directors of Sony Howard was President of CBS, which Visionaries & Corporation, as well as the compa- rose from last to first place in network Luminaries ny’s former Chairman, CEO and rankings under his direction. Earlier, he 4 President, has been a long-time inno- had been the executive producer of the Inaugural Stanley CBS Evening News with Dan Rather Chang, M.D. vator and leader in the world of busi- Lecture Features ness. He brings to the Department— and of the CBS Reports documentary International where he is a devoted patient of unit, which earned him nearly every Retinal Surgeon major broadcast honor, including 31 Stanley Chang, M.D.—invaluable Jack Cioffi, M.D. is business acumen, honed during Emmys, four Peabody Awards, three First Recipient of decades of work as a journalist, Sir Howard Stringer Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Deems producer and television executive. Awards, three Christopher Awards, three Professorship Overseas Press Club Awards, an ABA Silver Gavel and a “I know from firsthand experience what great work is Robert F. Kennedy Grand Prize. done by the dedicated professionals of the Department of Faculty Spotlight 6 continued on page 3 Columbia Ophthalmology Welcomes Four Columbia’s clinical, international New Faculty Members Fellowships: Transitions and research fellowship programs derive exceptional richness from the In Memoriam from Training to Practice school’s world-renowned faculty, its 8 emphasis on teaching and mentor- John Wilson Espy, In this world of special- thalmologists learn how to deal with ship, and its reputation as a national M.D. ized and subspecialized the most unique diseases and surgi- and international referral center for medicine, fellowship training is cal needs, while smoothing their hard-to-treat cases. de rigueur. Being a fellow at transition from a training environ- Samantha Xavier, M.D., a pediatric Columbia Ophthalmology, however, ment to independent practice. As retina fellow, has the opportunity to is about more than specialization or George A. (Jack) Cioffi, M.D., the apprentice with the masters of her mentored by more than a dozen even becoming a superb clinician or Edward S. Harkness Professor and craft. Dr. Xavier’s primary mentors world-class specialists, each of whom scientist. It is about becoming a Chairman, Columbia University are Stanley Chang, M.D., the K.K. has a signature approach to the leader in the world of medicine. Medical Center, Department of Tse and Ku Teh Ying Professor treatment of retina disease. Ophthalmologists typically of Ophthalmology, who directs The fellowship is unique because it leave residency qualified for the retina fellowship, and introduces young ophthalmologists general practice. Many Robert Lopez, M.D. Dr. Xavier to complex procedures that they receive some specialty train- feels especially fortunate to be would not ordinarily see during resi- ing that allows them to do learning surgical techniques dency. It also exposes them to a wide basic procedures, like exam- firsthand from Dr. Chang, who variety of patients, many of whom ining the retina or perform- invented many of them. “The come from medically underserved ing retina laser surgery. fact that I can work with Dr. countries, as well as medically However, three years of gen- Chang on a daily basis is a underserved communities in the eral ophthalmological train- dream come true, and my United States, where treatment had ing do not always expose res- Hamed Bazargan-Lari, M.D., Fiorella Saponara, M.D., experience under the direction been unavailable or unsuccessful. idents to the rarest condi- Glaucoma Fellow Cornea Fellow of Dr. Robert Lopez is These patients commonly have an tions or the subtleties of cer- unparalleled,” she said. amalgam of underlying health Ophthalmology, explained, “I can tain eye diseases. Such exposure problems, including diabetes, which teach you how to do glaucoma The two-year retina fellowship is comes from fellowship training. makes their cases particularly surgery in a few weeks, but I can’t highly competitive: Some 60 appli- challenging—and instructive. Fellowships bridge the gap between teach you how to be a doctor in a cants vie for a single position each residency and practice. Young oph- few weeks.” year, and the opportunity to be continued on page 5 56853 ViewpointFW12-7_ViewpointFW09-7 2/4/13 2:34 PM Page 2

Viewfrom the Chair

Dear Friends, It gives me great pleasure to begin this New Year by introducing Sir Training Program, where fellows have the privilege of working Howard Stringer, who will assume the role of the Department’s new alongside world-renowned clinicians, surgeons and scientists, some Chairman of the Board of Advisors. Sir Howard brings to the board 30 of whom had been Harkness fellows themselves. The gratitude is years of corporate leadership. Prior to his current post as Chairman of not one-sided—for every grateful mentee, there is a mentor who is the Board of Directors of the grateful for the chance to give back. Sony Corporation, Sir Howard Our base in Washington Heights, where much of the population hails was Sony’s CEO and President, from medically underserved countries without regular or proper eye as well as president of CBS. A care, greatly enhances training at the Institute. In this context, ophthal- highly-esteemed journalist, mology is more than a medical specialty; it is a public health crisis that television producer and philan- strikes an alarming proportion of unknowing patients, many of whom thropist, he sits on the board of are minorities and lack timely treatment. Read more in this issue the NewYork-Presbyterian about Dana Blumberg, M.D., M.P.H., and how she is trying to tackle Hospital. this crisis by studying population-wide screening tools to detect Reflecting on the New Year glaucoma before it is too late to treat. brings to mind beginnings. I This Viewpoint spotlights new faculty: Leejee Suh, M.D., Quan V. have focused this issue of (Donny) Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., and Lauren Yeager, M.D., as well as D. Viewpoint on training, because Jackson Coleman, M.D., who has returned to Columbia as professor, superior training launches suc- clinician, and researcher. It also features a story about the inaugural cessful ophthalmology careers. Stanley Chang, M.D. Lectureship, which was jointly and generously Training is probably our most funded by two donations. Finally, it notes my appointment as the Jean significant obligation to our profession. And yet, training here is more and Richard Deems Professor of Ophthalmology, another important than a tool. It is a legacy, and it begins with our Residency Training legacy, which I accept with the deepest honor. Program. Under the capable direction of Bryan Winn, M.D., the program has flourished. Sincerely, When asked what they appreciate most about training at the Institute, current and former residents unanimously mentioned autonomy with superb faculty oversight. Doing is learning, and being responsible for patient care, formulating diagnoses and treatment plans, while always knowing that faculty are poised to offer guidance, builds residents’ skills and self-confidence. George A. (Jack) Cioffi, M.D. Jean and Richard Deems Professor Students especially value the mentoring they have received here at the Edward S. Harkness Professor Institute. Such mentoring is the cornerstone of our Fellowship Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology

The Residency Training Program: Balance in Action Stacy Scofield had a feeling early in sions, and labs have lectures, so residents can talk From their first day, residents are encouraged to medical school that she wanted to be an oph- and think about what they are learning. work independently. Initially, their caseloads are thalmologist. Her brief exposure to the residency light and oversight is intense. They accompany For example, the monthly morbidity, mortality training program at the Edward S. Harkness Eye attending physicians on rounds, take patient and microsurgery conference now allows for res- Institute during her fourth-year in medical histories and conduct comprehensive ophthal- ident-faculty dialogue about cases that are pre- school at Columbia’s College of Physicians and mological exams. They take emergency calls, sented via video. Meanwhile, the surgical cur- Surgeons solidified her decision to pursue assist with and learn to perform basic surgical riculum, which traditionally had been taught as Ophthalmology. Among the qualities that procedures, and act as the first liaison on the an apprenticeship—residents Scofield most appreciated about the program ophthalmological team to learned by watching and assist- was its dual emphasis on students’ autonomy examine patients who have ing—now includes formal lab and faculty support. “It was the best learning an acute issue. sessions with lectures. experience I have had,” Scofield said. Gradually, residents acquire The lectures create a nonthreat- This balance—between independence and more autonomy. They ening environment in which supervision, formalized instruction and hands- become solely responsible for residents discuss their reasons on learning, even seriousness and fun—is what patient care, formulating for choosing certain surgical the Institute’s residency training program strives diagnoses and making deci- procedures, while intellectually for and, under the relatively new direction of sions on patient treatment preparing them for situations Bryan Winn, M.D., has achieved. and follow-up care. that could arise during surgery. When Dr. Winn assumed his post in July of Residents decide how much 2011, his goal was formidable: to make an “Residents understand the fine supervision they need or already-outstanding program better. He has points of surgery in their heads whether they need to confer done this subtly, predominately by fleshing out before using their hands,” Dr. the curriculum. Lectures now include discus- Winn explained. continued on page 6 Bryan Winn, M.D.

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Science Insight: Approaching Glaucoma as a Clinical and a Public Health Problem

When Dana Blumberg, M.D., M.P.H., began her subspecialty for glaucoma. Because the training in glaucoma, she expected to gain the technical expertise she would disease is asymptomatic in need to diagnose and treat patients with the disease. What she had not its early stages, a substan- expected was to experience a complete transformation in the way she tial proportion of cases go viewed glaucoma and the patients who have it. undetected. “By the time we detect symptomatic During her fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, Dr. glaucoma with a clinical Blumberg learned that glaucoma, in addition to being a serious ophthalmo- exam, it’s too late for treat- logical disorder, is a major public health problem in the United States: ment,” Dr. Blumberg said. One-half of glaucoma patients do not know they have the disease and therefore do not receive treatment for it. In minority communities, that Moreover, identifying number is as low as 25%. glaucoma patients, espe- cially those who are med- “We think of undiagnosed disease as something that happens in developing ically underserved and do countries, not right here in the United States,” said Dr. Blumberg, an not get regular eye care, is Assistant Professor of Clinical difficult. What is needed, Ophthalmology who joined the therefore, is a community- Harkness faculty in 2011. Yet, BOARD OF ADVISORS wide tool to screen for the Department of Ophthalmology there are epidemic proportions of disease, especially so the Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman undiagnosed glaucoma cases in William Acquavella medically underserved— the United States and around the Rand Araskog many of whom are Dr. Endré Balazs world. In the United States alone, Debra Black minorities and at the annual cost of treating Dana Blumberg, M.D., M.P.H. Shirlee and Bernard Brown particularly high risk— Robert L. Burch III advanced disease due to lack of Howard L. Clark, Jr. can be identified. Joseph C. Connors timely diagnosis is $2.8 billion. E. Virgil Conway With this idea in mind, Dr. Blumberg applied for and won a prestigious This transformed view of both Alan K. Docter KM1 training grant from the National Institutes of Health to evaluate Gloria and Louis Flanzer glaucoma and clinical ophthal- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a screening tool to detect glauco- mology inspired Dr. Blumberg to Leslie Hinton ma in high-risk minority populations. She and her colleagues have been Joel Hoffman pursue a master’s degree at T. C. Hsu developing a predictive, population model for conducting community-wide Columbia’s Mailman School of Florence and Herbert Irving glaucoma screening on asymptomatic patients. They are recruiting patients Helen Kimmel Public Health. “In medical school who seek routine eye care at Harkness, taking an MRI-like image of their Dr. Henry Kissinger we’re trained to be clinicians and Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. optic nerve and using the image to build a mathematical model that will John Manice to think about patients on an Bjorg and Stephen Ollendorff determine which kind of test most efficiently predicts the disease. Homer McK. Rees individual level, but we’re not John Robinson taught about population health as To be effective, a glaucoma screening tool should be easy to administer, Patricia Rosenwald a whole,” she said. “I really didn’t minimally invasive, reasonably priced, reproducible, valid and able to detect Stephen Ross James Shinn have the tools to think about disease. Dr. Blumberg hopes to demonstrate that the wide-scale implemen- Miranda Wong Tang glaucoma as a population health tation of such a tool for high-risk patients would reduce their lifetime David Tobey Richard Woolworth issue until I received my M.P.H. prevalence of visual loss from glaucoma. In addition to evaluating the Dukes Wooters at Mailman.” screening tool, Dr. Blumberg is using the grant to ascertain if community- wide screening can improve patients’ activities of daily living and overall IN MEMORIAM Typically, glaucoma is detected Dorothy Eweson quality of life. Martin S. Kimmel opportunistically, either during Seymour Milstein the course of a comprehensive eye Dr. Blumberg’s research has the potential to produce wide-ranging benefits, Candace VanAlen exam or because a patient has from detecting glaucoma and preventing blindness—especially among MEDICAL ADVISORS sought treatment for a scratch on disadvantaged patients—to reducing the extreme costs that are associated Rando Allikmets, PhD his eye or a vision problem. with lost work time and productivity, disability and the treatment of James Auran, MD advanced disease. Stanley Chang, MD However, no screening tools exist George A. Cioffi, MD John Flynn, MD Harold Spalter, MD Janet Sparrow, PhD Abraham Spector, PhD Board of Advisors Welcomes Sir Howard Stringer continued from page 1 Stephen Trokel, MD

VIEWPOINT Sir Howard has received numerous media and philan- New York, which bestowed him with its Steven J. Ross Editor-in-Chief thropic awards, in recognition of his important contribu- Humanitarian Award. Jane E. Heffner tions to many boards, including that of the NewYork- Writing Born in Cardiff, Wales, Sir Howard was knighted by Presbyterian Hospital. In 2007, he was honored with the Andrea Kott Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. He earned his bachelor’s and Graphic Design Paley Center for Media’s Visionary Award for Innovative master’s degrees in modern history from Oxford David Sakla Leadership in Media & Entertainment. He has also been University and has honorary doctorates from Oxford, the Photography honored by Lincoln Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the University of Glamorgan in Wales and the University of John Abbott New York Hall of Science and the UJA-Federation of Michael DiVito the Arts London. Noelle Pensec FALL 2012/WINTER 2013 Vıewpoınt 3 56853 ViewpointFW12-7_ViewpointFW09-7 2/4/13 2:34 PM Page 4

Visionaries Luminaries&

Inaugural Stanley Chang, M.D. Lecture Features World-Renowned International Retinal Surgeon

The “Subway Series” of grand and a dinner for the retina divisions of both rounds took place on October 18, Columbia and Weill Cornell. when the Department of Ophthalmology The Stanley Chang, M.D. Lectureship was faculty and staff of Columbia’s Harkness established in 2011, in honor of Dr. Chang’s Eye Institute teamed up with those of contributions to the field of retina, and his 17 Weill Cornell Medical College. Borja years of leadership as Chair in the Department Corcostegui, M.D., an internationally of Ophthalmology. It was established through renowned retinal surgeon, had been major gifts by Hilel Lewis, M.D., Chair emeritus invited to give the inaugural Stanley at the Cleveland Clinic, and Director of the Chang, M.D. Lecture at Columbia, while Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and by the Mark Blumenkranz, M.D., who is on the Annenberg Foundation. The Chang lecture will nominating committee for the Stanley be given annually to bring clinical expertise and Chang, M.D. Lectureship, had been invit- new knowledge to ophthalmologists in the New ed to attend the lecture at Columbia and York metropolitan region. give one at Weill Cornell. Thus, the idea to combine the lectures into the “Subway Dr. Corcostegui began his distinguished career Series” was born. in 1978, when he received his degree in oph- thalmology from UAB, where he has been the The goal was to enhance the educational department head at Hospital Valle Hebron since efforts of both departments by sharing 1990. He is also the Director of the Scientific presentations by two illustrious guests. Council of the European School for Advanced This collaborative format was developed Studies in Ophthalmology in Lugano, to allow both campuses to learn about Switzerland. Widely published and honored, the most recent developments in retinal Borja Corcostegui, M.D. Dr. Corcostegui has received awards from the disorders from Drs. Corcostegui and American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Blumenkranz, both brilliant innovators who The festive event began at Columbia, where British and Eyre Association for Vitreoretinal have pioneered significant contributions to the residents and fellows had lunch with the invit- Surgeons, among others. He has held leadership ed speakers and then pre- roles in several Spanish and international ophthal- sented and discussed sur- mological societies, especially those dedicated to the gical cases with faculty subspecialty of retina, including Euretina, Club Jules from both institutions. Gonin, where he is a board member, Macula Society, Following the presenta- American Society of Retina Specialists, where he is tions, Dr. Corcostegui, an international board member, and others. He delivered the Stanley belongs to the European Academy of Chang, M.D. Lecture. Dr. Ophthalmology, and is President of EURO-LAM Corcostegui is Professor of Retina, a society of retinal specialists from Europe Ophthalmology at the and Latin America, and editor-in-chief of its journal, Universitat Autonoma de Ophthalmic Research. Dr. Corcostegui has also served Barcelona (UAB) and as a volunteer and vice- founder and Medical president of “Eyes of the Director of the Instituto de World,” which supports Microcirugia Ocular of programs in the Western Barcelona, one of Europe’s Sahara, Mozambique, Mali, outstanding centers for eye and Bolivia. care. After the talk, the entire group travelled to The entire audience, L. to R.: Jack Cioffi, M.D., Borja Corcostegui, M.D., Stanley Chang, M.D. Weill Cornell Medical including medical students, Center for a second grand residents, visiting fellows field of retinal surgery. Dr. Corcostegui present- rounds lecture by Dr. Blumenkranz, H.J. Smead and faculty enjoyed the ed the modern surgical treatment of advanced Professor and Chairman, Department of Subway Series. Dr. Cioffi diabetic retinopathy, while Dr. Blumenkranz Ophthalmology, Stanford University and expressed his hope that it would continue as an discussed new methods of vision testing at Director, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford. The excellent way of sharing educational resources from home for patients with macular disease. evening concluded with a memorable reception both medical campuses.

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Fellowships: Transitions Jack Cioffi, M.D. from Training to Practice continued from page 1 is First Recipient of What makes Columbia’s fellowship among the best in the country is not only its array of patients and pathologies, but its access to academic, private and public settings, which include Deems Professorship Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York (VRMC), Bellevue Hospital and the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat of Ophthalmology Hospital. At VRMC, for example, Lawrence Yannuzzi, M.D., focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rare retinal diseases, while Columbia’s Stanley Chang, M.D., specializes in the man- George A. (Jack) Cioffi, agement of retinal conditions requiring complex surgical care. M.D., the Edward S. Harkness Krishna Mukkamala, M.D., a vitreoretinal fellow, said, “The Professor of Ophthalmology and dedication of our mentors to training fellows is inspirational.” Chair of the Department of The retina and other clinical fellowships frequently overlap Ophthalmology, was appointed with international fellowships, which Dr. Chang co-directs as the inaugural recipient of the with Lama Al-Aswad, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Jean and Richard Deems Ophthalmology. The international fellowship program attracts Professorship of Ophthalmology ophthalmologists from countries such as Ireland, Canada, in October. Lee Goldman, M.D., Chile, Italy, China, Australia, Spain and Brazil. International Dean of the Faculties of Health fellows share knowledge and skills they have acquired at home Sciences and Medicine, and and bring back a level of expertise that their countries might Executive Vice President for not be able to provide. However, international fellows require Health and Biomedical Sciences proper medical credentials to examine patients and operate; at Columbia University Medical those without the credential can only observe. Center, presented the honor to Whether domestic or international, fellows benefit from Dr. Cioffi during a dinner at Café numerous mentors. For example, Hamed Bazargan-Lari, Boulud in New York City. M.D., a glaucoma fellow whose position is supported by a gift “I can’t think of anyone more from the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, appreciates deserving of this honor,” Dr. Lee Goldman, M.D., Jack Cioffi, M.D. the different styles and strategies of his four mentors— Jack Goldman said. “Dr. Cioffi is lead- Cioffi, M.D., Max Forbes, M.D., Lama Al-Aswad, M.D. and ing the Department in exciting directions Deems, who had made the donation to Dana Blumberg, M.D. Learning to approach the same prob- and, under his leadership, I know we will express his deep gratitude for the years of lem from four different angles is helping Dr. Bazargan-Lari to continue to be the premiere center for excellent care he had received from the develop his own style. superior, patient-focused eye care.” Department of Ophthalmology and, Like the retina fellowship, the one-year glaucoma fellowship is especially, from its former chairman, highly competitive, attracting approximately 50 applicants per It was an elegant dinner, and among the Stanley Chang, M.D. Mr. Deems was a year. It is an intense year of learning, because Columbia’s eth- attendees were Dr. Cioffi’s parents, two of senior executive at the Hearst nically diverse, often-disadvantaged patients frequently have his brothers, and other family members. Corporation, a member of the Hearst rare forms of glaucoma that have been neglected or improper- Two representatives from the Hearst Corporation’s Board of Directors, a board ly treated. “Fellows aren’t exposed to many of these very com- Corporation and Foundation also attend- member at The Hearst Foundation and a plicated scenarios during their residency,” said Dr. Cioffi, who ed, including Frank A. Bennack, Jr., chief Trustee of the Hearst Family Trust. directs the glaucoma fellowship program. executive officer of the Hearst Corporation and George Irish, a former Hearst “Dick Deems served the Hearst All Columbia fellowships have a research component, which Corporation executive and current vice Corporation faithfully for decades and was allows fellows to balance patient care and surgical practice with president and eastern director of the two instrumental in building Hearst Magazines academic projects. Research experience is particularly helpful for ophthalmologists who are interested in teaching. “It is a Hearst Foundations. into the industry leader it is today,” Mr. great way for fellows to learn to present their data at meetings,” Bennack said. “The corporation said Leejee H. Suh, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical has always been a family busi- Ophthalmology and director of the Cornea Fellowship ness and Dick was an integral Program and the Refractive Surgery Service. Dr. Suh’s corneal part of that association. Board fellow, Fiorella Saponara, M.D., is awaiting such an experience: members are lifetime members She was recently invited to attend a conference in Geneva, and Dick, like all the other where she will present her research findings on the outcomes executives, provided an impor- of patients who have undergone corneal collagen cross linking tant institutional memory for for keratoconus. the continuation of our work.” Columbia also offers fellowships that are dedicated to research Dr. Cioffi is internationally training. Janet Sparrow, Ph.D., Anthony Donn Professor of recognized as a glaucoma Ophthalmological Science, supervises such fellows in her lab, Above, L. to R.: Frank Bennack, researcher and clinician. His which is investigating causes of blindness. These fellows are Jack Cioffi, M.D., Lee Goldman, M.D. research focuses on how using imaging, biochemical techniques and cellular assays to Left, L. to R.: Jack Cioffi, M.D., his circulatory changes in the study retina changes that are related to certain forms of macu- parents, William and Therese Cioffi, and his wife, Linda Cioffi. optic nerve may lead to glauco- lar degeneration and its underlying pathology. In the process, ma, as well as on best practices they are learning how to design experiments, collect and accu- in glaucoma surgery. For 18 rately measure data and draw meaningful conclusions. They Mr. Bennack, who years, Dr. Cioffi has received continuous are also becoming familiar with the literature about their is also a trustee of funding from the National Institutes of research and preparing to present their findings and write a the Hearst Family Health. He has contributed to more than manuscript for publication. “Research requires training, and Trust and serves 200 publications, and is the current clinical training by itself is not sufficient,” Dr. Sparrow said. on the board of editor-in-chief of the Journal of Glaucoma At Columbia, every part of fellowship training counts. the Hearst Foundation, contextualized the and chairman of the Scientific Advisory “Education, including training and mentorship, is our highest honor of the Deems Professorship, which Committee for the Glaucoma calling,” Dr. Cioffi said. “As an educator, you’ll be known by was created from the gift of Richard Research Foundation. those you train to go out into the world to be leaders.”

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Faculty Spotlight: Columbia Ophthalmology Welcomes Four New Faculty Members

Renowned for the high quality of its by offering corneal collagen crosslinking,” Dr. Suh founded the Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research patient care, teaching, training and said. The technique has been practiced globally Institute, a premier ophthalmic research center. research, the Department of Ophthalmology for more than 10 years but does not yet have An expert in the use of ultrasound to diagnose further enriched its faculty this year with FDA approval. “We hope that data from our and treat retinal diseases, Dr. Coleman received the addition of several new clinicians study will contribute to eventual FDA approval,” his first R01 grant from the National Institutes of and researchers. Dr. Suh added. Health in 1964 to study the use of high-frequen- For Leejee H. Suh, M.D., Assistant In the near future, Dr. Suh is looking forward to cy ultrasound in ophthalmology, a career-long Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and the relocation of the Laser Vision Correction area of interest. He collaborated with Frederic Director of the Refractive Surgery and Cornea Center back to the faculty practice’s midtown Lizzi, EngScD, and more recently with Ronald H. Fellowship Programs, joining the Department Manhattan office and to the expansion of the Silverman, Ph.D., to develop the first electronic was like coming home. A refractive surgery practice. In the mean- interval counter for measuring eye length and the native of Queens, New York, time, she is thrilled to be in New York and first commercially available B-scan for oph- Dr. Suh had always wanted to working at Columbia under the chairman- thalmic applications. settle down—personally and ship of Dr. Cioffi. “It was always my dream His research in the use of ultrasound continues at professionally— in her home to come back to my hometown,” she said. Columbia today with Dr. Silverman. Specifically, state. Until recently, however, As D. Jackson Coleman, M.D., he is exploring the use of sophisticated ultra- her education, training and who recently returned to the Harkness Eye sound technology to measure the choroid in the career have kept her moving up Institute as a professor, clinician, human eye to diagnose age-related macular and down the East Coast. and researcher, explains, “I’m a new degeneration. “This tells us if A graduate of Stuyvesant High old member of the faculty.” the choroid is ischemic,” Dr. Coleman said. “It also measures School in Manhattan, Dr. Suh Leejee H. Suh, M.D. Dr. Coleman is delighted to be back earned her undergraduate at Columbia, where he had spent how much flow is taking place degree at M.I.T. in Cambridge, many earlier years of his distin- so we can diagnose early Massachusetts and then returned to New York to guished career. He completed both his res- changes in macular degenera- earn her medical degree at the N.Y.U. School of idency and fellowship in vitreoretinal dis- tion and possibly institute Medicine. After completing her residency at the ease at the Harkness Eye Institute in 1969 therapy to delay vision loss.” Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins in and earned an NIH Special Trainee In addition, Dr. Coleman is Baltimore, Maryland in 2006, she did a one-year Award. He remained on staff until 1979, working with Stanley Chang, fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at before moving to Weill Cornell Medical D. Jackson Coleman, M.D. M.D., the world-renowned the University of Miami and remained there as College as the John Milton McLean retinal surgeon and K.K. Tse an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology Professor and Chairman of the and Ku Teh Ying Professor of until 2009. For the next several years she went Department of Ophthalmology, a position he Ophthalmology, to determine the effectiveness of back and forth between Bascom Palmer and held for 26 years. At Weill Cornell, Dr. Coleman systemic drugs currently used for pulmonary Columbia: She joined the ophthalmology depart- ment at Columbia from 2009–2011, returned to Bascom Palmer for one year and last summer returned to Columbia and her hometown. The Residency Training Program: Balance in Action A specialist in corneal refractive surgery, corneal continued from page 2 transplantation and cataract surgery, Dr. Suh had with an attending physician, knowing there is The Institute’s faculty includes leaders in the been practicing a revolutionary approach to expert back-up if they need it. “As a resident, field, such as Stanley Chang, M.D., who has corneal transplantation known as DSAEK you’re really running the ship,” commented been a major innovator of modern vitrectomy (Descemets Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) when Jack Cioffi, M.D., Chairman, chief resident Frank Siringo, M.D. techniques and is one of the world’s most respected eye surgeons, and Michael Kazim, Department of Ophthalmology, recruited her to In their second year, residents learn to perform direct the cornea fellowship and serve as the M.D., a world-renowned specialist in thyroid basic laser eye surgery, laser retinal and glauco- cornea specialist for the faculty practice, eye disease. Columbia Ophthalmology Consultants. ma surgery, cataract surgery, eye muscle surgery, oculoplastic and eyelid surgery. They also exam- The residents are not the only ones to benefit “I couldn’t resist the chance to come back to New ine hospitalized patients with ocular disease and from expert faculty. Medical students who York and have a pivotal role in the department,” rotate through the program for a week, or explained Dr. Suh. coordinate their care. By their third and final year, residents spend most of their time in the choose it as a fourth-year elective, also In addition to cataract surgery, intraocular lenses, operating room, mastering comprehensive benefit from the program’s exceptional and corneal transplantation, Dr. Suh's surgical faculty and staff. specialties include LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ ophthalmological and surgical skills. Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive The program’s balance of autonomy and super- During that week, students receive broad expo- Keratectomy) and PTK (Phototherapeutic vision was invaluable in preparing Royce Chen, sure to ophthalmology—performing eye exams, Keratectomy). Her clinical research interests are M.D., last year’s chief resident, for his current checking vision and eye movement. “It helps in novel methods of refractive surgery and the them decide if practicing ophthalmology is use of the femtosecond laser for partial and full retinal fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye thickness corneal transplantation. She is also Institute in Miami. Because Columbia’s pro- something they want to do,” said Dr. Winn, who extensively involved in keratoconus research and gram has only nine residents (it accepts only also directs the medical student clerkship. Each treatments, namely intracorneal ring segments three out of more than 400 applicants each year, about 20 fourth-year medical students (i.e. Intacs) and corneal collagen crosslinking. She year), it has a small family feeling that allows for spend one month rotating through the ophthal- is currently a principal investigator for the personal attention. Faculty members take a mology clinic, the operating room and private Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Trial for the strong interest in residents’ development and faculty offices. They receive more in-depth Treatment of Keratoconus and Post-Refractive exposure to ophthalmology and function like Surgery Ectasia at Columbia University. make sure they have the right principles in place. “The independence I gained over the first-year ophthalmology residents. “Many keratoconus patients or patients who develop ectasia after laser corrective surgery may course of three years built my self-confidence,” Like residents, fourth-years are encouraged to need corneal transplantation, which we can avoid Dr. Chen said. work autonomously, with faculty and staff

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hypertension in increasing choroidal blood flow. tion, coupled with eye wall thinning. In some Hospital at Columbia University Medical Center, The author of two books on ultrasonography patients, the eye wall thins to the extent that out- which is currently in the planning phases. of the eye, numerous book chapters and more pouchings or “staphyloma” arise. Many of these Dr. Yeager is the Peter J. Sharp Pediatric than 250 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Coleman patients then experience permanent vision loss. Ophthalmology Scholar, a position funded by continues to see patients with vitreoretinal Dr. Hoang is investigating different chemicals a generous gift from The Peter Jay Sharp diseases and does ultrasound evaluation of that, when injected around the eye, can strength- Foundation. This scholar fund was established patients with a variety of pathologies here at en the eye wall of growing rabbits. “Preliminary to provide support for the recruitment and the Harkness Eye Institute. findings show that certain chemicals stiffen the career development eye wall and stunt eye length growth,” he said. “If of a pediatric oph- Quan “Donny” Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., you can stiffen the eye wall, then you have a thalmologist during wears several hats at the Harkness Eye Institute, good chance of preventing vision threatening a five-year period. All where he joined the faculty as an Assistant consequences of extreme nearsightedness.” of the funding is Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology in August. used to defray the He earned both his medical and doctorate Dr. Hoang has been working with Stanley Chang, M.D. and Lawrence Yannuzzi, M.D., cost of the scholar’s degrees at the University of Illinois in Chicago, salary and research. after earning three bachelor’s degrees with hon- director of the LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal ors in chemistry, integrated science and biology Research Center of the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Born and raised in at Northwestern University in Throat Hospital and founder of Highland Park, Evanston, Illinois. As a vitreoretinal Vitreous-Retina-Macula Illinois, Dr. Yeager Lauren Yeager, M.D. surgeon, Dr. Hoang mentors resi- Consultants of New York, on imag- graduated in 2003 dents and retina fellows in the clinic ing the eyes of people with extreme from the honors col- and in surgery, sees and operates on nearsightedness. He is hoping to lege at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor his own patients and researches new define an “elasticity/deformability and earned her medical degree at Boston ways to treat extreme nearsighted- index” for staphyloma that can be University in 2007. She completed her ophthal- ness (also called pathologic myopia). used to better track the progression mology residency at SUNY Downstate in of disease in the extremely near- Brooklyn in 2011. One year later, she completed Dr. Hoang has long been interested sighted, and identify those at risk of a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at in both clinical ophthalmology, imminent loss of vision. “Our oph- Children’s National Medical Center specifically the retina, and in Quan "Donny" Hoang, thalmology department is rich with in Washington, D.C. neuroscience research. His current M.D., Ph.D. collaboration and ingenuity,” he research, which stems from work In addition to teaching residents in the clinic added, citing research collabora- and the operating room, Dr. Yeager will be treat- started during his surgical retina tions with David Paik, M.D., Ron Silverman, fellowship at the Harkness Eye Institute, focuses ing strabismus in both the pediatric and adult Ph.D. and Rando Allikmets, Ph.D., as a major population, as well as all ocular disorders in chil- on imaging the subset of patients with extreme reason he has chosen to remain at Columbia. nearsightedness to identify those at risk of dren from birth to age 18, including cataracts, permanent vision loss, and discovering new Pediatric ophthalmologist Lauren Yeager, glaucoma, congenital anomalies, nasolacrimal treatments for these patients by using an M.D., an Assistant Professor of Clinical duct disorders, retinopathy of prematurity and animal model of the disease. Ophthalmology, joined the Harkness faculty in retinal disease. She is looking forward to work- December and is especially excited about the ing with residents and hopes to become involved Nearsightedness is due to excessive eye length. In prospect of working in the pediatric ophthal- with research on hereditary ocular conditions extreme cases, there may be life-long eye elonga- mology clinic at the Morgan Stanley Children’s that affect the pediatric population.

nearby and available to provide guidance. “By impoverished health systems. Thus, residents are thing to see mild cataracts and another to know my second week, I was examining patients on seeing a level of disease—such as end-stage glau- how to treat them when the disease is really my own,” Scofield declared. coma, diabetic retinopathy, advanced orbital advanced,” Dr. Winn said. Among the innovations that Dr. Winn has introduced is a formal graduation ceremony that takes place in June, during which residents and fellows are recognized and honored for completing their training at the Eye Institute. The event, known as John Flynn Residents’ and Fellows’ Day, has been named in honor of John T. Flynn, M.D., who serves as an important mentor to both residents and fellows. In the coming years, Dr. Winn hopes to increase his program’s diversity by accepting an additional resident each year, and to continue enhancing the surgical curriculum. He is currently preparing to pilot an online question- and-answer game to supplement medical students’ reading during L. to R.: Bryan Winn, M.D. with residents: Lora R. Dagi Glass, M.D., their week-long rotation. “You can SongEun Lee, M.D., Brian Song, M.D., Frank Siringo, M.D., Mary Besides high-caliber instruction, the residency Whitman, M.D., and Elizabeth Dale, M.D. read an encyclopedic textbook that’s training program draws richness from its home very dry, or you can make it interest- in Washington Heights, which has a sizeable, tumors and complex neurological conditions ing, funny and different. If you laugh, you learn.” medically underserved population, a significant that involve the eye—that is not common in the Such is the balance that will continue to make proportion of which comes from countries with United States or in the New York area. “It’s one this program exceptional.

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In Memoriam:

John Wilson Espy, M.D., Esteemed and Beloved Colleague

John Wilson Espy, M.D., Clinical decades. He was a true professional in Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology, all respects and will be greatly missed by Columbia University Medical Center, all his colleagues and patients.” passed away on December 22, 2012 after a Dr. Espy was associated with the brief illness. The faculty and staff mourn Department for more than 50 years, the loss of this distinguished physician and starting as a resident in 1960 and rising highly respected and beloved colleague. to Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology. On hearing of Dr. Espy’s death, Jack Cioffi, Upon his retirement in 2011, he received M.D., Chair of the Department of Emeritus status. He is survived by Polly, Ophthalmology, said, “While I only knew his wife of 47 years, and his children, him for a short period of time, I was Peter W. Espy and Burrell Schorr, and struck by his class, grace, intelligence and their families. devotion to the Eye Institute.” A professorship in Dr. Espy’s name was Stanley Chang, M.D., former Chairman of established by his children several years the Department, said, “Dr. John Espy was a ago. The John Wilson Espy Professorship John Wilson Espy, M.D. brilliant and caring physician who was of Ophthalmology will maintain his legacy devoted to his patients and the Edward of keen clinical skills and outstanding Harkness Eye Institute for over five dedication to academic values.

Important Patient Care Information

Specialties: Cornea/External Ocular Disease Glaucoma Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Refractive Surgery/LASIK Vitreoretinal and Uveitis For inquiries and appointments, please call 212.305.9535

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