Mazzo attributes success to people and the magic of ophthalmology
KOLOA, Hawaii — “I always have fun, and why is that? Because all of you make me smile. All of you make me enjoy what I do every day,” Jim Mazzo said when reflecting on his 44-year career in ophthalmology.
“Whatever success I have had is because of people,” Mazzo said during the Lindstrom Leadership Award and Lecture here.
Mazzo discussed the triangle of success — innovation, customer empathy and attitude.
“[You] always want to make sure you have a lot of energy in what you do and not take yourself too seriously,” Mazzo said.
“It is an honor to have this presentation because it has one of my dearest friends in life Dick Lindstrom’s name attached to it,” Mazzo said.
Mazzo thanked his family, including his wife of 42 years, Kelly Mazzo. He also thanked his mentors, the founder of Allergan, Gavin Herbert, David E.I. Pyott and Roger F. Steinert, MD. He also shared the importance of the meaningful physician friendships he built along the way.
“The late great Roger Steinert taught me how to ensure that you keep the standards of what you want to bring from a technology standpoint, but never read the press clippings about yourself because you are not that good,” he said.
The award was created by The Wyanoke Group to honor Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, and recognize an ophthalmic leader who has contributed to nonclinical advances in the specialty. The selection committee, which is chaired by David F. Chang, MD, and Vance Thompson, MD, is comprised of individuals who hold senior editorial positions on Ocular Surgery News and program committee members of the Hawaiian Eye meeting.
Mazzo is the second individual to receive the Lindstrom Leadership Award and Lecture.
“I thank everyone of you. I see you in the room...I thank you very much for what you have done for me,” Mazzo said.
Collapse
Mazzo J. Lindstrom Leadership Award and Lecture. Presented at: Hawaiian Eye 2023; Jan. 14-20, 2023. Koloa, Hawaii.
Read more about