PAAO President’s Message
November 2022
Paulo E.C. Dantas, MD PhD
PAAO President, 2022-2025
Dear Pan-American friends,
This month we chat with Dr. Rodolfo Yi, president of the Panamanian Society of Ophthalmology.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Yi at the PAAO Board of Directors meeting in Chicago during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Sincerely,
Paulo E.C. Dantas, MD PhD
PAAO President
PD: Tell us a bit about the Panamanian Society? How many members? Your plans for society?
RY:
The Panamanian Society of Ophthalmology was established with the goal of joining the Ophthalmologist in a single common group, with the purpose of making activities of continuing education and ensuring visual health in Panama.
We are approximately 135 members between active and non-active.
Our short- and medium-term plans include improving the active participation of our members in different educational activities including congress and courses. Also, to participate like observers and advisers in the government eye health programs.
Rodolfo A. Yi Aguilar MD
Office: Clinica Hospital San Fernando, Consultorios Sur, Piso 2, Consultorio 2-3, via España. Frente al Registro Público. Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Phone: (507) 229-2667
email: [email protected]
- President of the Panamanian Society of Ophthalmology
- Fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander, 2015
Paulo Dantas with Rodolfo Yi, Chicago 2022
PD: Prof Benjamin Boyd from Panamá was one of our most active past presidents. What is his importance for the Panamanian ophthalmological community?
RY: Dr. Benjamin Boyd was a visionary who laid the foundations of ophthalmology in Panama, through continuous education and with his hard work for the community. His work out Panama in a high place in the Ophthalmology Community.
PD: We are watching the rising of new and promising young leaders in the Americas (as you). How important is (in your view) this new trend?
RY: Today we are in a new era, and we need in our community the balance between the wisdom of experienced ophthalmologists and the energy of young ophthalmologists. The rise of young leaders is very important because they give fresh ideas, bring enthusiasm and optimism, understand next generation trends, and are great at networking.
PD: What is the importance of being affiliated to PAAO?
RY: PAAO is a great association, giving us the opportunity to grow as professionals and have a global reach. Also, it is an important place for continuing education through online programs and courses.