Awards

 

AAO Advocacy Ambassador Program

The Advocacy Ambassador Program was established in 2004 by the Secretariat for State Affairs to educate residents and fellows early in their careers about the importance of political action and involvement in organized ophthalmology at both the state and national levels. The Secretariat collaborates with Women in Ophthalmology to support the attendance of members-in-training at the Mid-Year Forum, Congressional Advocacy Day and the spring Council Meeting. The AAO provides complimentary registration and WIO provides a travel stipend to the chosen resident or fellow.

At the Mid-Year Forum, ambassadors get to attend sessions on hot topics and issues facing the profession. Then, during Congressional Advocacy Day, they are paired with seasoned ophthalmologists for visits with legislators and key care staff on Capitol Hill to discuss major issues affecting ophthalmology and medicine. At the Council Meeting, ambassadors are special guests and learn about the Council’s role as the policy advisory body to the Academy’s Board of Trustees.

  • Applications for 2024 are now closed

Recipients

2024


Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA

2024


Amee Azad, MD, MS

2023


Mahsaw Mansoor, MD

2022


Abigail Jebaraj, MD

2021


Marez Megalla, MD

2020


Kathryn W. Lee, MD

2019


Michelle Falcone, MD

2018


Tanya Glaser, MD

2017


Rachel Shah, MD

2016


Thandeka Myeni, MD

2015


Lilangi Ediriwickrema, MD

2014


Loretta Stein, MD

2013


Anitra Thomas, MD

2012


Crystal Hung, MD

2011


Kristen Harris Nwanyanwu, MD, MBA

2010


Lauren Patty, MD

2009


Suzann Pershing, MD