Kenneth H. Musson, M.D., and Patricia M. Musson Give Back

Pictured above: Kenneth Musson, M.D. and Jonathan Trobe, M.D.

Kenneth H. Musson, M.D., and Patricia M. Musson Give Back

On September 16, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences celebrated the inauguration of the Kenneth H. Musson, M.D. and Patricia M. Musson Research Professorship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Jonathan D. Trobe, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and of neurology, and section head of neuro-ophthalmology, was installed as its inaugural holder.

The Musson Professorship is intended to support a faculty member whose research focuses on neuro-ophthalmology—a specialty that encompasses nervous system disorders that affect vision, including those that cause double vision, pupillary abnormalities, ocular misalignment, or eye movement abnormalities.

Dr. Trobe’s interest in ophthalmology began when he was in medical school and suffered from keratitis, which required a corneal transplant. He is inspired when answering tough questions, saying that he appreciates “the opportunity to care for patients with medical problems that are challenging enough that community physicians or academic physicians in other specialties have sought my help.”

Joan Lowenstein, J.D., Jonathan Trobe, M.D., Patricia Musson and Kenneth Musson, M.D.

Dr. and Mrs. Musson established the professorship in gratitude for the residency Dr. Musson completed there so many years ago. After attending the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Musson spent two years on active duty in the medical corps of the U.S. Army Reserve—delaying the completion of his education. To this day he remains grateful he was able to return to U-M after his service to begin his ophthalmology residency.

Dr. Musson began his career providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care at the Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic and Munson Medical Center in Traverse City in 1969. He is retiring after 52 years of active practice. Dr. Musson is still actively engaged with his alma mater, and serves as a founding member of the Kellogg Eye Center Alumni Advisory Board. He has also been an active contributor to and member of professional societies including the Michigan State Medical Society, the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American College of Surgeons.

Patricia Myers Musson is equally committed to serving others. After enjoying a successful career as a teacher, Mrs. Musson was able to draw from her educational background in her volunteer work to help members of her own family as well as organizations in her community, including the Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula School districts. Additionally, she and Dr. Musson are involved in many other charities and organizations across the area.

When asked about his philanthropy, Dr. Musson said, “We give back out of gratitude. It is important to support the quality of the Department of Ophthalmology and the Kellogg Eye Center, and to provide a future for the people who come after us.”