In writing this column, I found myself humming the tune to the Circle of Life as it seems apropos. I reflect on my relationship to Scheie and Scheie to me. This addition of the newsletter focuses on the "360º Expansion of Scheie," highlighting the complete approach to growth throughout the past year in which Scheie has expanded faculty, facilities, locations, technology, and fellowship opportunities to serve the community and advance education and research in ophthalmology.
Like the Institute, my career in some ways has progressed 360º. I first came to these hallowed halls as a medical student when I did research with Drs. Orlin, Sulewski, and Tratler in 1995 hoping to learn about ophthalmology and leaving inspired. I returned after internship in July 1996 for residency, served as a chief resident, completed my fellowship in 2002 with Drs. Katowitz and Gausas and then joined the faculty, overseeing medical student education and working hand in hand with Penn students and Scheie residents. Now, after years in private practice and 15 years of part time teaching across town, I have recently returned in a volunteer capacity to help with trauma call and teach residents once again.
It's also a wonderful circular moment to see the new Measey Surgical Innovation Core come to life 25 years after scraping together old microscopes and instruments as a chief resident to help build a rudimentary surgical lab in the old animal research corridor in the basement of Scheie (which is still there—a time capsule of the 20th century). This new state of the art facility is a game changer in surgical procedures education. Thank you to all who contributed to the lab.
I have always admired the work of our leaders and colleagues that have worked tirelessly to expand the Department and make it one of the premier places to learn, perform research and care for patients. It was inspiring to see Drs. Yanoff, Fine, O'Brien, and Jeng all present for our alumni weekend as well as past trainees. I have admired those that walked these halls and gone on to do great things with their careers. We have successful clinicians & surgeons caring for patients on the front lines, productive researchers enhancing our therapies to restore or preserve vision, residency program directors, chairs of departments, past presidents of state societies, leaders of national ophthalmic organizations, and more.
In the circular nature of life, we always somehow seem to find our way back to the beginning. Dr. Jeng's tenure as our new chair highlights this point. Listening to Jacque Duncan, MD, give the 2024 alumni lecture was a good reminder that we stand on the shoulders of those who trained us (she completed her medical retina fellowship my chief year of residency 1999-2000). I was struck by how far we have all come, how much the world of ophthalmology has evolved in the last 30 years since I walked through the front doors, and how the bonds of our time at Scheie remain unbroken. I am proud of my roots and proud to be part of this accomplished family. I know you are, too!
Scott M. Goldstein, MD, FASOPRS, Resident '00, Fellow '02
Pediatric & Adult Oculo-Facial Plastic Surgeon | Tri-Century Eye Care, P.C.
Medical Director | Tri-County Surgery Center, LLC
Adj Associate Prof of Ophthal | Scheie Eye Inst, Univ of Pennsylvania
Finance Director | American Soc of Ophthal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
President | Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology