Lindstrom takes the helm of ASCRS

SAN DIEGO — Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, announced his plans for enhancing education, improving recruitment and retention, and advancing member advocacy efforts upon assuming the presidency of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Incoming President, Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, laid out his agenda for his tenure as ASCRS president.

Dr. Lindstrom laid out his agenda for his tenure as president here during the opening session of the society's annual meeting yesterday. He was introduced by outgoing ASCRS President Samuel Masket, MD.

"You will rarely find an individual with the incredible combination of talent and drive," Dr. Masket said.

Dr. Lindstrom, who is Chief Medical Editor of Ocular Surgery News, said he accepts his new role "with great humility."

He spoke of the upcoming challenges involved with upholding the mission of the ASCRS, specifically noting its core: "To advance the art and science of opthalmic surgery and the knowledge and skills of ophthalmic surgeons."

Touting Web- and print-based initiatives, he committed himself and the society to a new level of education for its members.

In addition, Dr. Lindstrom said an initiative called Members First will aim to increase recruitment and retention through an increased involvement of subspecialties such as cornea and glaucoma, and will also seek to address the needs of ophthalmologists just starting out in the field.

To best serve its members, Dr. Lindstrom also committed ASCRS to continue to work with the government and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to address issues such as the sustained growth rate (SGR) and the Bush administration's Pay for Performance initiative.

"We are committed to see that Pay for Performance is voluntary and non-punitive," he said.