Alumni Highlights

Dolly Ann Padovani-Claudio, M.D., Ph.D., completed a residency and fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Kellogg and is now a physician-scientist at Vanderbilt whose lab focuses on diabetic retinopathy. Padovani-Claudio is also dedicated to increasing diversity among clinicians and researchers in ophthalmology. “A diverse workforce representative of the patient population enhances trust and communication—and in turn, understanding of disease and management plans— enhancing compliance and improving outcomes,” she said. In 2021, 23 underrepresented in medicine participants of the National Medical Association Rabb-Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Program, which she co-leads, matched to ophthalmology residency programs, three to four times more than in a typical year. “It is important to go beyond diversity—to inclusion and equity—providing resources that meet the career development needs of providers and sustains the impact of diversification efforts,” she said. Dr. Padovani-Claudio is an assistant professor and diversity liaison at Vanderbilt University.

Sunir Garg, M.D.,

Sunir Garg, M.D., who completed his undergraduate, medical, and ophthalmology education and residency training at the University of Michigan, received Kellogg’s 2022 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Garg is currently a Professor of Ophthalmology at MidAlantic Retina, the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, and is co-director of its Retina Research Department. His work has shed new light on the role of novel viruses and other potential pathogens as important factors in inflammation and infection in the eye. Dr. Garg also received the inaugural Champion Award from Women in Retina (WinR), a division of the American Society of Retina Specialists, for his efforts to help women gain prominence in their field during his time as Editor-in-Chief of Retina Times, the organization’s international publication.

Dr. Garg was inspired to choose a career in ophthalmology early in life as he watched his uncle, an ophthalmologist in Delhi, India, perform cataract surgery. “I’ve had amazing support from him and other mentors,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be able to help others succeed and grow personally and professionally.”