[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Wit-Prize-06.jpg” caption=”(L to R) Michael Farrell, President & CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, Navjot Chaudhary, 2005 Witeson Memorial Prize Winner, professor Sandra F. Witelson, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Albert Einstein/Irving Zucker Chair in Neuroscience. Photo credit: Rob Tatlock”]Now in its seventh year of being awarded, the Dr. Henry Chaim Witelson Memorial Prize in Ophthalmology provides unique opportunities to McMaster University medical students to learn about ophthalmology and participate in preserving or restoring eyesight. The goal of the prize is to encourage more students to enter the field of ophthalmology and contribute to the exciting new developments in clinical care and research in a rapidly changing medical/surgical specialty.

This year's winner, second year medical student Navjot Chaudhary, completed an elective in ophthalmology through the University of Ottawa. Chaudhary was able to further her knowledge base by learning about normal visual development milestones. Chaudhary attended Pediatric and Adult Ophthalmology Clinics and Resident Teaching sessions, where she learned to assess visual function in patients of all ages. By the end of the rotation she was able to perform a detailed eye examination and recognize common ocular conditions.

“Receiving the Witelson Memorial Prize has provided me with the opportunity to explore my interest in different subspecialties within the field of ophthalmology,” said Chaudhary. “Through my participation in clinics I was able to work with inspiring supervisors and mentors.”

Witelson's family and friends honored the work and memory of the former Chief of Ophthalmology for the Hamilton Civic Hospitals by creating the prize. Since 1999, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation has awarded the prize to seven promising medical students. Recipients use the funds to travel to eye clinics within Canada or work with non-profit organizations that provide eye care to third-world countries. While the initial aim of the prize was to spark an interest in the field of ophthalmology for students, the results have exceeded these expectations as many graduate winners have secured residencies in this highly competitive specialty.

“We wanted to perpetuate Henry's memory and commitment to excellence and education,” said Dr. Trevor Seaton, a colleague and friend of the late Witelson who participated in the creation of this prize. He is chair of the H.C. Witelson Memorial Fund Advisory Committee. “The pursuit of new knowledge is an important part of his legacy,” said Seaton.

If you would like more information on the Witelson Memorial Prize please contact Megan Dunlop-Elms at (905) 521-2100 ext. 76787 or email dunlopm@hhsc.ca.