July 8th, 2021
Episode 2: Dr. Wallace Alward, MD
A discussion on “Teaching, Innovation, & Service”
Dr. Wallace Alward, MD
In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Wallace Alward, MD, a renowned Glaucoma specialist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology. He was recently recognized as an Orbis Hero for his service work. His recorded lectures have been especially useful during the pandemic when Orbis went virtual. Please join us as we discuss his remarkable journey and get to know some important lessons he has learned along the way.
Key discussion points:
- Dr. Alward’s unique path into Ophthalmology and why he chose Glaucoma specifically as his specialty
- Discussing his team’s discovery of the first gene involved in open angle glaucoma
He was involved in the discovery of the myocilin gene for primary open angle glaucoma, the PITX2 and FOXC1 genes for Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, and the TBK1 gene for normal tension glaucoma
-Sharing the quote “You can contribute by asking the right questions even if you are just an observer”
-His reason and story for creating gonioscopy.org (founded year 2007)
-His journey with Orbis and Global Ophthalmology
-How is the experience like training both in-person and virtually in a Global Ophthalmology setting?
-What makes a great clinical instructor? His support of a flipped-classroom setting.
He was one of the 2012 recipients of the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence
2016 American Glaucoma Society Outstanding Educator Award
Episode-based Resources: