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The passing of the torch
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One of the best ways to learn the complexities of ophthalmology is by working with mentors, initially emulating their style and then later developing your own based on principles learned. Among my most treasured mentors was Gene Pawlowski, MD, who worked together with me teaching ophthalmology residents at our large county hospital in the Los Angeles area. Sadly, Gene peacefully passed away at his home just a few days ago after a tough battle with health issues.
My former mentor Gene Pawlowski, MD, with ophthalmology residents.
Source: Uday Devgan
For the past decade, the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute residents have benefitted from Dr. Pawlowski’s passion for teaching neuro-ophthalmology in the eye clinic, as well as his detailed lectures during the Friday lunch break. We also learned to emulate his compassion and kindness in serving his patients with devotion and diligence. Gene repeatedly stated that the highlight of his week was interacting with the residents at Olive View and making a meaningful impact on their careers.
Former resident Hajir Dadgostar, MD, PhD, reminisces, “He was a truly devoted teacher who was very highly regarded and respected by all of us.”
Gene’s impact was profound, and the residents honored him with the annual JSEI teaching award.
Recent residency graduate Sandy Zhang-Nunes, MD, speaks for all of us when she states, “Dr. Pawlowski, we will honor you by trying to live as you did, every day to the fullest, treating patients as we would want to be treated, and teaching others what we learned from you.”
Gene Pawlowski was a superb ophthalmologist, a personal mentor, and a close friend who left a lasting impression on dozens of residents, hundreds of colleagues and thousands of patients. We spoke just 2 weeks before he passed, and he said that he was passing the torch to me to carry on his tradition of mentorship and teaching. I am honored and humbled, and I will try my hardest to live up to his high standards, carrying the torch and training the next generation of ophthalmologists.