Duke Ophthalmology celebrated the 2022 graduates on Saturday, June 4. We are proud of their accomplishments and dedication to excellence in research, education and patient care in ophthalmology. Wishing continued success as they pursue subspecialty training or join faculty at academic institutions or private practice. Learn more about the future for our graduates and award recipients.
Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program: Christine Alejo, Duke Eye Center of Raleigh
AWARDS
Robert Machemer Research Award:
James Tian, MD
The Machemer Award is bestowed upon the resident or fellow whose proposal presents the highest level of originality, scientific design/methods, clinical relevance, and feasibility of completion in a one-year period.
Duke Graduate Medical Education Leadership Track (MELT) Recognition:
Sahil Aggarwal, MD
MELT is designed for residents/fellows who would like to strengthen their skills as educators and leaders. The MELT curriculum will consist of 12 interactive workshops over the course of the academic year led by content experts from the Duke Community. Each session will allow participants to practice the skill discussed and receive feedback on how to improve. Participants are expected to attend at least 8 of the 12 sessions to receive a certificate as well as complete all 3 homework assignments and peer reviews.
OpTech Teacher of the Year Awards:
Resident Teacher of the Year: Alexander Snyder, MD
Fellow Teacher of the Year: Lauren May, MD
Best Research Presentation by a Full-Time Research Fellow Award:
Podium: Michael De leso, PhD
Poster: Darren Schuman, MS1
Presented to a Full-Time Research Fellow (medical student, predoctoral/graduate student or postdoctoral fellow) for their presentation of their basic and/or translational eye research and is based on the evaluations of basic and clinical faculty.
Best Research Presentation by a Clinical Fellow Award:
Podium: C. Ellis Wisely, MD, MBA
Poster: Nelli Galoyan, MD, PhD
Granted to a Clinical Fellow who earned the best evaluations by the faculty for his or her presentation at Duke Eye Center Trainee Scientific Sessions.
Excellence in Education (Medical Student Educator Award):
Kelly Muir, MD
This award is given for Outstanding Contribution to Medical Student Education.
Golden Apple Awards:
PGY-1: Cason Robbins, MD
PGY-2: Rami Gabriel, MD & Yuxi Zheng, MD
PGY-3: Sahil Aggarwal, MD & James Tian, MD
PGY-4: Kevin Jackson, MD
Fellows/Chief: Alex Snyder, MD & Ellis Wisely, MD, MBA
This award is modeled after the Appleseed Teaching award, which is a Duke tradition founded by Duke medical students 10 years ago. Our students have always expressed how grateful they are for the opportunity to learn from our wonderful residents and fellows during their rotations, continuity clinics, and research year at the eye center, thus this student-led initiative is in an effort to express their appreciation formally.
Edward K. Isbey, Jr. Award:
Kevin Jackson, MD
Named for Dr. Ed Isbey, Jr. of Asheville Eye Associates and the Asheville VA Medical Center. Dr. Isbey Jr. was instrumental in establishing the Asheville VA ophthalmology clinic and has been a long time teacher and friend to many of our former trainees. The award is voted on by the excellence in clinical care, ethics, and research – All qualities that describe Dr. Ed Isbey, Jr. This award continues to be supported by Dr. Isbey III, a former trainee at the Duke Eye Center who continues the legacy in Asheville.
K. Alexander Dastgheib Unedited Surgery Video Competition Award:
Steph Zhang, MD
Named for Dr. Kourosh Dastgheib, a former resident. The award recognizes the senior resident who has submitted the best unedited surgical video from their experience at the Durham and Asheville VA. The winner is selected by Dr. Dastgheib and members of the Duke Faculty. The recipient receives a plaque and a generous cash award. In addition, the Ophthalmology Residency receives a cash award to purchase surgical instruments utilized in the practice surgery lab.
Ophthalmic Technician of the Year Award:
Janice Roberts, COA
The Ophthalmic Technician of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding ophthalmic technician as voted on by the ophthalmology residents. This inaugural award is given every year to the technician who demonstrates excellence in leadership, patient care, and collaboration with trainees in care of patients within the eye center.
Hornaday Award:
Jordan Deaner, MD
The Hornaday Fellow Award is selected by the residents. This senior fellow demonstrates exceptional ability in clinical, research, and teaching efforts at Duke Eye Center. The Hornaday Fellow contributes significantly to the education of the residents and by serving as a role model for excellence in professionalism and clinical care. The Hornaday Fellow Award recognizes a fellow who has exemplified all of these superb qualities, and it is a tremendous honor to receive. Many of the previous Hornaday Fellows of Duke University Eye Center have gone on to do great things in ophthalmology.
Golden Globe Award:
Xi Chen, MD, PhD
The Golden Globe Award is given to the faculty member who has shown the strongest commitment to resident teaching, in clinic, in the OR, and in didactic lectures, and whose contributions have been essential to career development and advancement of residents.