Eyeworld Daily News

The session began with a welcome from ASCRS Program Chair Edward Holland, MD, Cincinnati. The ASCRS Program Committee has developed what we believe to be the best meet- ing experience "for surgeons, for you," Dr. Holland said. It features high-quality education, networking opportunities, and time to social- ize, he added. Dr. Holland mentioned Fri- day's Subspecialty Day sessions, which saw 2,200 physician attend- ees at the refractive, glaucoma, and cornea programs. An all-new surgical wet lab for young eye surgeons was launched on Friday as well. Based on feedback from members, we built in more oppor- tunities for networking this year, Dr. Holland said. "With so much exceptional and diverse education- al content, it may be difficult to choose just one session to attend at any given time," Dr. Holland said. But with ASCRS On-De- mand, 140 cutting-edge sessions, including 217 hours of content, will be available online within 48 hours. This includes general ses- sions, symposia, and instructional courses. Steve Speares, ASCRS exec- utive director, shared an update on the new ASCRS mission and brand. "Just over a year ago, I stepped into this role," he said. Af- ter 12 months, Mr. Speares said he has learned so much about what it takes to run a practice, especially navigating a sea of change. "We're in the middle of a transition at ASCRS with a new look," Mr. Speares said. This includes a new mission statement, branding, and a new EyeWorld, and this reflects the changing times. "What we're about is to edu- cate, advocate, and donate," Mr. Speares said. We want to get the message out that no matter where you place yourself in experience, skill level, or technology adoption, what's important is ASCRS can advance you, he said. He conclud- ed by saying that change is here, and it's unyielding, but we step forward and welcome it and are sharply focused on carrying forth the mission of ASCRS. The session moved on to introductions of Thomas Samu- elson, MD, Minneapolis, outgo- ing ASCRS president, and Nick Mamalis, MD, Salt Lake City, incoming ASCRS president. They spoke in conversation with Dr. Holland and Mr. Speares. Dr. Samuelson highlighted ASCRS' transition to a new era, and Dr. Mamalis discussed how he first got involved with oph- thalmology and ASCRS before sharing his objectives during his presidency. He wants to continue ASCRS' educational endeavors. For anyone on the spectrum of surgical skills, ASCRS is where you can obtain the education you need to be a better doctor, he said. Dr. Holland noted the estab- lishment of the ASCRS Educator Award, which will be a yearly honor given next year for the first time. The session moved on to the presentation of the 2019 David A. Karcher Honored Guests. W. Andrew Maxwell, MD, Fresno, California, and Donald Serafa- no, MD, Long Beach, California, received the honors this year. continued from page 1 Next, Dr. Samuelson shared a special video compilation honor- ing Dr. Kushner, who received the inaugural ASCRS Distinguished Member Award. Dr. Kushner was a prisoner of war for 5 years and the only physician among 591 American prisoners during the Vietnam War. He survived after his helicopter crashed into a mountain in South Vietnam. After losing his entire crew, Dr. Kushner was captured by the Viet Cong and endured horrific conditions as a prisoner of war. Dr. Kushner was finally released when the war ended and was able to come home to his family, including his son who was born 4 months after he was captured. During the session, Dr. Kushner detailed some of what he endured, including walking some 560 miles in 57 days to a jail in Hanoi. "Every minute I was captured, I thought about being a physi- cian," Dr. Kushner said, adding that he had plenty of time to think about what specialty of medicine to go into and choosing ophthal- mology was the best decision he ever made. Dr. Kushner has been a member of ASCRS for 40 years (after first joining the American Intraocular Implant Society in the late 1970s). He concluded by saying that he has no bitterness, only that he feels lucky and blessed and is proud to have served his country. "I owe my fellow soldiers my life," he said. Following, Jim Mazzo, Ste- phen Lane, MD, Stillwater, Min- nesota, and David Chang, MD, Los Altos, California, discussed the ASCRS Foundation. More than 85 million people are visually impaired worldwide, and they cer- tainly don't have to be, Mr. Mazzo said. "This is where industry and the foundation work together to make an impact," he said. Dr. Lane and Dr. Chang shared efforts by the foundation both domesti- cally and internationally. The Chang Humanitarian Award was presented to Richard Litwin, MD, whose volunteer work first began in 1982 in India at what is now the Aravind Eye Hospital. At the age of 83, Dr. Litwin is still practicing part time. Dr. Holland presented Dr. Lane with an ASCRS Service Award for his 20 years of serving ASCRS in a board capacity. "Steve has been an instrumental leader in supporting the growth of our society," Dr. Holland said. The Opening General Session concluded with the Hall of Fame segment. This year's ASCRS Hall of Fame inductees are Howard Gimbel, MD, and Phillips Thy- geson, MD (1903–2002). MAY 5, 2019 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | 3 Dr. Samuelson (right) passes the ASCRS presidency to Dr. Mamalis. Enter this code in the EyeSeek game located within the Annual Meeting app for your chance to win one of our four prizes! #123456 723587

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