Emory Eye Center announces notable leadership transitions, faculty awards

By Ruby Katz Nov. 21, 2024

The Department of Ophthalmology at Emory University has recently announced notable leadership transitions and received well-earned honors. Several faculty members have been recognized with prestigious awards, including Emory Healthcare’s Hidden Gem Award and the American Public Health Association’s Sedgwick Award.

Leadership transitions

Grady Chief of Ophthalmology

Dr. Yousef Khalifa, MD, has transitioned from his role as chief of ophthalmology at Grady Memorial Hospital, with Dr. Jacquelyn O'Banion, MD, MSc, assuming the position effective Oct. 1, 2024.

Dr. Khalifa joined the Emory Eye Center on Aug. 1, 2014, where he served as chief of service for ophthalmology at Grady Memorial Hospital and as part of the cornea service at Emory Eye Center. Prior to his time at Emory, Dr. Khalifa was a cornea and external disease specialist and residency program director at the University of Rochester.

Dr. O'Banion, who joined the Emory Eye Center in January 2016, currently serves as an associate professor in the comprehensive service. She brings a strong background in public health to the leadership team and is committed to advancing Emory Eye Center's growing local and international programs in global ophthalmology.

VA Chief of Ophthalmology

Steve Urken, M.D., will transition from his role as chief of ophthalmology at the VA this December. Douglas Blackmon, M.D., will assume the role of acting chief.

Dr. Urken has served as chief of ophthalmology at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital since 2010. He joined the Emory faculty in 2000 after several years in private practice. His specialties include cataract surgery and the medical and surgical management of glaucoma.

Dr. Blackmon has been with the ophthalmology section of the VA Medical Center since 2006. He focuses on teaching Emory University ophthalmology residents on cataract and corneal surgery, as well as clinical ophthalmology.

Faculty Eminence Awards

Dr. Deepta Ghate, M.D.

Ophthalmology Hidden Gem Award
In 2015, the Emory Medicine Recognitions Committee established the Hidden Gem Award to recognize faculty members nominated by their departments for outstanding contributions to Emory or beyond.

Dr. Susan Primo, O.D.

Distinguished Service Award from the American Public Health Association
The Sedgwick Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Public Health Association (APHA). It recognizes an individual’s exceptional accomplishments in the field of public health.

Dr. Valerie Biousse, M.D.

Election to the American Ophthalmological Society
The American Ophthalmological Society (AOS), the second-oldest specialty medical society in the U.S., elects new members through nominations from current members. Admission requires the submission of a scholarly thesis, which, upon approval, is published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology (AJO).

Dr. Boris Severinsky, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS

Clinical Distinction Award as Senior Physician
The Clinical Distinctions designation program is an annual initiative by the School of Medicine to recognize faculty who have dedicated the majority of their careers to providing excellence in clinical care.

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