Last October, the UNMC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences launched a new international division.
Born from the interest of ophthalmology chairman, Thomas Hejkal, M.D., and the expertise and experience of Mike Feilmeier, M.D., and his wife Jessica, the new division is in a stage of growth.
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Mike Feilmeier, M.D. |
“When Mike and Jessica came on board, this was the perfect way to get this jump started.”
Dr. Feilmeier — a College of Medicine alumnus — is medical director of the international division and his wife is the development director.
Below Dr. Feilmeier talks more about the new division.
Why did you choose to come to UNMC?
It was at UNMC that I developed a passion for international health care and we know that there is a significant interest among students and physicians to work abroad training physicians and providing health care to those in greatest need. My wife and I see UNMC as a great platform to combine our unique training and global experience.
Why did you want to start an international division?
I was the first ophthalmologist to undergo training as a fellow in global blindness prevention at the University of Utah and had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside Geoffrey Tabin, M.D., throughout Africa, Asia, and the Carribean. As a result of this unique experience, I was able to see the incredible impact that an international division can have.
What do you hope to accomplish through this new division?
We aim to provide:
- Sight restoring surgery and eye care to those in need;
- High quality and hands-on training opportunities for ophthalmologists from the developing world; and
- Opportunities for global engagement for the students, faculty and residents at UNMC.