Department of Ophthalmology to Graduate 100th Resident
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences will host the 100th Graduate Celebration and Alumni Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday (June 28) at the Texas Tech Club, 5050 University Ave.
The event will celebrate the Department of Ophthalmology’s history and graduating its 100th graduate from the residency program. The department was established in 1971 with George S. Tyner, M.D., serving as the first chairman. Tyner was appointed by Founding Dean of the School of Medicine John Aure Buesseler, M.D., Ph.D.
David McCartney, M.D., chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, said the department has succeeded in educating and training exceptional ophthalmologists for West Texas and beyond as well as conducting research in the field.
“This event marks a huge milestone for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences,” McCartney said.
Some of the Department of Ophthalmology’s history includes:
- Mary Van Horn Pratt, M.D., became the first full-time faculty member in the winter of 1973.
- The three-year residency program began in 1976 with one resident, Anthony Weber, M.D., who later became the first graduate of the program in 1979.
- By 1983, the program expanded to three residents per year for a total of nine residents with 10 faculty members.
- Since the department’s inception, it has been home to the Great Plains Lions Eye Bank which is a nonprofit organization founded by the Lions Club International, with a mission to reduce the waiting lists for corneal transplant surgery.
The 2013 resident graduates are Charles Cohn, M.D., Prashanthi Girdhar, M.D., and Jonathan Kaufman, M.D. Kaufman was listed as the 100th resident.
“It feels great to be the 100th resident,” Kaufman said. “The ophthalmology program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is one of the top surgical programs in the country. But besides clinical and surgical skills, I have learned what it takes to become an ethical and moral clinician.”
For more breaking news and experts, follow @ttuhscnews on Twitter.
Related Stories
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
A Rite of Passage for Next Generation of Physicians
Students in TTUHSC's School of Medicine Class of 2028 received their first white coat and pledged their commitment to the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony Friday (July 26) at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Recent Stories
'Tis the Season: Flu, RSV and COVID-19
Koy Kubala, DCLS, spoke about the increase we see in these infections during this season, how we can proactively avoid them, and what treatment can help at the onset of symptoms.
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
Unlock a Better Nursing Future
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is streamlining the path to doctoral-level, specialized education for nurses.