Michael W. Brennan, MD, receives Iraqi Ophthalmological Society humanitarian award

SAN FRANCISCO — Michael W. Brennan, MD, outgoing president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, received a humanitarian award from the Iraqi Ophthalmological Society in recognition of his efforts to help rebuild Iraq's health care infrastructure, the AAO announced here.

The award was presented at the joint meeting of the AAO and Pan-American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Brennan first visited Iraq in 2003 and has returned annually, except in 2005. In 2003, he founded the Medical Alliance-Iraq (MAI), an organization that is now a part of the International Medical Corps, a nongovernmental organization. He continues to chair the MAI.

"Thanks to Dr. Brennan's work and support of [Donald Gagliano, MD, command surgeon for U.S. forces in Iraq] and U.S. military medicine, we are seeing a transformation in Iraqi medical education and patient care," Tara Reshid, MD, director of ophthalmology at Al Kindi Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, said in a press release. "Before, many Iraqis could not get the surgery or medicines they needed, and so they suffered needlessly or died. But now, for example, our doctors can keep women from dying from hemorrhage after childbirth because of training and resources provided by MAI volunteers."

Dr. Brennan recalled embracing the challenges of helping rebuild Iraq's health care system.

"I had reached a place in my life where I was ready for a new challenge," Dr. Brennan said. "My ophthalmology practice was going well, and our children were grown. I was honored to be asked to help with such an important cause."

Dr. Brennan and fellow volunteers developed a national emergency medical system and mental health programs for children, the release said.

Dr. Brennan and colleagues are next scheduled to visit Kabul, Afghanistan, to assist efforts to improve health care there.