Dr. Howard Gimbel is presented with the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009
Dr. John van Westenbrugge introduces Dr. Gimbel (transcript)
CALGARY, ALBERTA — Dr. Howard Gimbel is presented with the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009
At its 72nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition on Sunday, June 21st, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society recognized Dr. Gimbel for his “sustained impact nationally and internationally on the growth of the profession” and for maintaining the “highest standard of patient care” in his practice. Dr. Gimbel has been selected as 2009’s award recipient for a lifelong dedication to his community as a positive role model, mentor and educator.
“I am honoured the Canadian Ophthalmological Society considers my life’s work to be worthy of this distinguished award. As a southern Alberta farm boy, I knew I wanted to serve others, and wondered about how I could do so more directly than growing grain for them to eat. I had no idea I would be so blessed to have the opportunity to improve quality of life through the gift of sight. Any success I’ve been able to accomplish I owe to God first, and then to the support and encouragement of my wife, Judy. Also, I couldn’t do anything without my able team of surgeons, fellows, colleagues and support staff in both Alberta and in Loma Linda. It is my honour to be able to serve,” said Dr. Howard Gimbel.
Background
Dr. Gimbel is Executive Medical Director of Gimbel Eye Centre, specializing in Cataract and Refractive surgery, with locations in both Calgary and Edmonton. Gimbel Eye Centre has been a leader in quality patient care since 1964. Gimbel Eye Centre surgeons have performed over 180,000 procedures and are some of the most experienced vision correction surgeons in the world. Dr. Gimbel also serves as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda University, in Loma Linda, California. He travels regularly to California from his Alberta home and is active in surgery and teaching in both Alberta and California.
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society was established in 1937 as a certifying body for its ophthalmologist members. In 1943, when ophthalmology became recognized as a specialization in medicine, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons became the governing body with the COS for the ophthalmologist certification process. Since then, twelve major Canadian universities have developed graduate programs in Ophthalmology. The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is considered the leading authority on eye care in Canada.
