Message from the PAOF Chair
Dear Colleagues,
Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the ancient Greek word συνεργία synergia from synergos συνεργός, meaning “working together”.
The Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology and the Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation are excellent examples of the “Synergistic Effect.” We know this phenomenon in the medical world, but it also is impactful in the business world and in society. Businessdictionary.com defines the synergistic effect as “An effect arising between two or more agents, entities, factors or substances that produces an effect greater than the sum of its individual effects. It is the opposite of antagonism.”
The Pan-American’s mission expresses our goals to create programs in prevention of blindness and to offer lifelong education and cultural exchange among ophthalmologists. This cannot be done alone but rather with a strong collaboration between the national ophthalmological societies, the supranational societies and the subspecialty societies. This is a collaboration of our Boards of Directors, Committees, industry partners and individuals alike. We must all come together to support existing programs and to launch new programs to improve and standardize patient care.
The Pan-American is all about relationships and the synergistic effect. The Pan-American has the unique ability to reach across countries and cultures in an incredible mosaic of collaboration. I know you believe in Pan-Americanism and this is a cause worth supporting.
Sincerely,
Jorge E. Valdez MD PhD
Chairman of the Board
Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation.
Jorge Valdez MD PhD
Chair, Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation