[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/witelson_group.jpg” caption=”Pictured from left, professor Sandra F. Witelson, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Albert Einstein/Irving Zucker Chair in Neuroscience; Christina Leung, 2004 Witelson Prize Winner; and Marg Jones, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.”]The Henry Chaim Witelson Memorial Prize in Ophthalmology is celebrating its sixth anniversary of giving unique learning opportunities to McMaster University medical students to learn about ophthalmology and participate in preserving or restoring eyesight.

The sixth anniversary of the prize is especially notable since each recipient has fulfilled the goal of the prize, which 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.

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, awarded by the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation since 1999. 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 each graduate winner has secured a residency in this highly competitive specialty.

This year's winner, second-year medical student Christina Leung, was able to do an elective at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec. Leung gained knowledge in the areas of ophthalmologic subspecialties including oncology, neurological, retinal, and general ophthalmology. She also observed surgeries and learned about pediatric ophthalmology and oculo-plastics at the Montreal General Hospital and the Montreal Hospital for Children.

“My time at McGill has taught me that ophthalmologists can have close long-term relationships with their patients,” said Leung. “I look forward to seeing the new tools and treatments that will make it possible to improve the quality of life for those with, or at risk of visual impairments.”

The first recipient of the 1999 Witelson Prize, Khalid Hasanee, is currently completely a residency in ophthalmology at Queens University. Varun Chaudhry, winner of the 2000 Witelson Prize, is an ophthalmology resident at The University of Western Ontario, while 2001 recipient, Rajeev Muni, is currently an ophthalmology resident at the University of Toronto. Joshua Wiesenthal, 2002s winner, is in medicine at the University of Ottawa. The 2003 winner, Harmeet Gill graduated from McMaster's MD program this month.

“We wanted to perpetuate Henry's memory and commitment to excellence and education,” said Trevor Seaton, a colleague and friend of the late Henry 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.