Ophthalmologist Jake Waxman, MD, PhD, Receives Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education
September 6, 2021
UPMC ophthalmologist Evan L. “Jake” Waxman, MD, PhD, received the 2021 Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education from the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The award recognizes outstanding program directors in ophthalmology and was presented to Dr. Waxman for his “dedication in the principles and significance of residency education and his accomplishments in the field.” Dr. Waxman previously received the AUPO Award for Outstanding Medical Student Educators.
The AUPO was founded in 1966 and aims to promote medical education, research, and patient care in ophthalmology. AUPO provides a forum for discussion about the issues facing departments and divisions of ophthalmology. The AAO is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons and aims to protect sign and empower lives by serving as an advocate for patients and the public, leading ophthalmic education and advancing the profession of ophthalmology.
About Dr. Waxman
Dr. Waxman is an associate professor of ophthalmology and vice chair of medical and resident education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the UPMC Eye Center at UPMC Mercy. He earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and doctorate in Biomedical Sciences from City University of New York, then completed his residency at the University of California Davis School of Medicine.
In 2005, Dr. Waxman founded the Guerilla Eye Service (GES), which provides free, mobile vision care to underserved individuals throughout Allegheny County and the surrounding area and treats approximately 300 patients each year. Medical students and ophthalmology residents participate in the GES to further develop their skills and engage with the community.
