Ravi D Goel, MD, an ophthalmologist in Cherry Hill, is among a group of nineteen state, subspecialty and international society representatives chosen via a competitive selection process to participate in the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s 2003-2004 Leadership Development Program (LDP). As The New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology’s representative, Dr. Goel hopes to educate Congressional leaders on the importance of quality education in ophthalmology to develop a skilled surgical hand. He made a presentation on Capitol Hill in February 2004 to 60-75 Congressional staffers on HR 3473 (Veterans Eye Treatment Safety Act - VETS Act), a bill to protect America’s Veterans with the highest patient safety standards.

During an October 2003 orientation meeting held during the Academy’s Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Dr. Goel heard from renowned experts in ophthalmology discussing Global Leadership in Ophthalmology and were introduced to their colleagues in the 2003-2004 LDP.

Next up was a 2 ½ day intensive training LDP session January 16-18, 2004 in San Francisco. In addition to visiting AAO headquarters for an orientation by Academy Vice Presidents, leadership participants heard from Academy President Allan D. Jensen, MD and experts on issues regarding association management, communications and media relations, leadership styles, effective time management, efficient meetings, and project implementation.

Pharmaceutical companies, including Alcon, Allergan, and Santen, Inc., have shown strong support of the program. Academy Leadership Development Program Director Dan Briceland, MD (Arizona) noted that, “the success of the program to date is due to the quality of speakers that have been generously provided by industry. The Academy embraces the partnership with industry to provide training to future state society leaders”.

LDP participants were special guests at the Academy’s April 21-24 Mid-Year Forum in Washington, D.C. In addition to participating in Congressional Advocacy Day (scheduled visits with legislators), Mid-Year Forum sessions and the Academy’s Council meeting, LDP participants attended sessions on advocacy issues with members of Congress and their health policy staff.

American Academy of Ophthalmology 2003-2004 Leadership Development Program

1. American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
   Mark Packer, MD
2. American Uveitis Society
   Russell Van Gelder, MD
3. Alaska State Ophthalmological Association
   Scott Limstrom, MD
4. Arkansas Ophthalmological Society
   Paul Henry, MD
5. Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians
   Steven Thornquist, MD
6. European Ophthalmological Society
   Stefan Seregard, MD
7. Hawaii Ophthalmological Society
   George Nardin, MD
8. Illinois Association of Ophthalmology
   Jennifer Smith, MD
9. Iowa Academy of Ophthalmology
   Beth Bruening, MD
10. Macula Society
    Barbara Blodi, MD
11. Michigan Ophthalmological Society
    Anna Luisa Di Lorenzo, MD
12. Nebraska Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
    Thomas Graul, MD
13. New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology
    Ravi Goel, MD
14. New York State Ophthalmological Society
    Steven Awner, MD
15. Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology
    James Ronk, MD
16. South Dakota Academy of Ophthalmology
    Bryan Hammer, MD
17. Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology
    Erich Groos, MD
18. Utah Ophthalmological Society
    David Faber, MD
19. Virginia Society of Ophthalmology
    Joy Dixon Robinson, MD