Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, George Weeks Hale Professor and chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Vanderbilt, was recently named president-elect of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO).
The one-year term will prepare him for his role as president of the association beginning in 2019.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected by my peers to lead the association of academic ophthalmology,” said Sternberg, who is also Chief Patient Experience and Service Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “As a discipline, ophthalmology has been de-prioritized at medical centers across the nation. We have been almost completely eliminated from the medical school curriculum and are provided little to no institutional funds flow to support our academic programs.”
Sternberg said he is prepared to help guide the AUPO, the voice of academic ophthalmology. The organization is dedicated to research and education and consists of department chairs, resident program directors, research directors, medical student educators and administrators.
“As leader of this group, I hope to lead a resurgence of interest in our impactful specialty,” said Sternberg.
“At the same time, given the competing priorities at our institutions, it is critical to assist ophthalmology departmental leaders in managing and growing their programs so they can succeed without significant external support.”
Founded in 1966, AUPO’s mission is to serve, strengthen and represent departments of ophthalmology; provide support, information and leadership opportunities to department chairs, program directors and other faculty members; to promote excellence in ophthalmic education; to foster vision research and to promote ethical practice and excellence in eye care in order to ensure the best possible vision for the public.
