Recipients of the 2018 OWL Awards Recognized for Advancing Diversity in Ophthalmology Leadership
OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership (OWL) announced the winners of the 2018 OWL Awards at the organization’s Signature Event, which was held October 28 in Chicago during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO 2018). OWL presents the awards each year to those who best exemplify the organization’s core values.
This year’s 2018 OWL Awards winners have marked significant accomplishments this year in their respective fields:
Rising Star Award – Jennifer Loh, MD, board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist practicing in the south Miami area – OWL’s Rising Star Award honors an individual who is an emerging leader in ophthalmology. Nominees should be in their early or mid-careers and demonstrate high potential for making an impact in the profession.
Visionary Leader Award– Allison Shuren, Partner & Co-Chair of the Life Sciences and Healthcare Regulatory Group at the law firm of Arnold & Porter – OWL’s Visionary Leader Award honors those who have paved the way for diversity in their field through significant achievement. Nominees should demonstrate leadership in their field through their careers.
Catalyst Award – Brad Fundingsland, President of The Fundingsland Group, which drives effective, compliant, and compelling medical education through large-scale evidence-based programming – OWL’s Catalyst Award honors an individual who has contributed significantly to helping others advance their careers in eye care. Nominees should demonstrate leadership in supporting the advancement of diversity (for example, mentoring or sponsoring promising individuals, advocating diversity, or creating a culture of equality).
“This year’s Signature Event & Awards Ceremony surpassed even our highest expectations,” said OWL Executive Director Gaynor Fries. “With a record number of attendees, an impressive event space, great food and drinks, a marvelous panel, AND our 2018 OWL Leadership Awards, it was an amazing experience. Several attendees told us it was the highlight of AAO, and I couldn’t agree more.”
Ms. Fries added that she and the entire OWL membership were grateful to Robert Dempsey, Group Vice President & Head of Global Ophthalmics Franchise for Shire, and Aylin Kilic, MD, a Refractive & Cataract Surgeon & Associate Professor Ophthalmology at Medipol University in Istanbul, for sharing “Perspectives on International Leadership” at OWL’s Signature Event. They also appreciated Michael Onuscheck, President & General Manager of the Global Surgical Franchise for Alcon, for interviewing the pair.