Bitten by the research bug, I went on to create many new “eye cancer” diagnostic methods and therapeutic techniques. Among my U.S. patents, I established the most commonly used drug treatment that saves vision by suppressing radiation maculopathy and optic neuropathy. Asked to serve two terms as Ophthalmic Oncology Chair of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), I assembled over 58 eye cancer specialists from eight countries in four continents to create the first consensus-staging-guidelines staging system for eye cancers. We were the first to add Heritable (H) to the standard tumor, node, metastasis (TNM-H), so we can now better stage the most common eye cancer in children (retinoblastoma). The International Union Against Cancer (IUCC) asked me to adapt the AJCC Staging System for worldwide use; it is widely used by eye cancer physicians and researchers. In addition, I was asked to chair The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) Committee that provided consensus guidelines for the most common treatment for intraocular melanoma, “ophthalmic plaque brachytherapy” and helped the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) develop dosimetry methods and quality guidelines for ophthalmic brachytherapy.

I can trace all these contributions back to Dr. Gordon’s eye cancer research project at Tulane Medical School. Over the last 34 years, I have been fortunate to train residents, fellows and medical students who have gone on to wonderful, innovative and productive careers.

I believe it is important to remember those who help you along the way, and we must “pay it forward” so that the next generation can continue to improve our art. That is why I invite you to join me in support of Tulane this year and every year.