08/15/12
Former residents return to the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary
Javaneh Abbasian, MD, and Genie Bang, MD, have joined the Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Service as Assistant Professors of Ophthalmology. Both doctors were trained in the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary’s ophthalmology residency program at UIC from 2008-2011.
Dr. Abbasian has longstanding ties to UIC and the Chicago area. She earned her BA in Biology at Northwestern University and her medical degree at UIC’s College of Medicine. She served as Chief Resident in Ophthalmology from 2010-11. Dr. Abbasian’s pediatric ophthalmology fellowship took her to the East Coast and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Now back at UIC, she is looking forward to seeing patients in the newly renovated Pediatric Service.
“As a resident, I had the chance to be among an excellent group of mentors who paved the way for me and will now be my colleagues,” says Dr. Abbasian.
In particular, she mentions Dr. Nathalie Azar, Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Service, Dr. Joel Sugar, Interim Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Dr. Elmer Tu, Director of Cornea Service.
Dr. Abbasian points out that the Pediatric Service has an excellent faculty and staff, along with new and improved facilities including state-of-the-art equipment in every room.
“UIC is on the cutting edge of treating kids with the ocular care they deserve,” notes Dr. Abbasian.
Dr. Genie Bang received her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities Medical School. She also holds a BS in Biology from Brown University. After her residency at UIC, she moved on to a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus at the Mayo Clinic. She is excited to be returning to UIC and working alongside her mentors.
“I really appreciate the mentorship I had at UIC,” says Dr. Bang. “The different divisions support each other very well.”
She also points to Dr. Nathalie Azar as an important mentor, along with Dr. Dimitri Azar, Dean of UIC’s College of Medicine, Dr. Jose de la Cruz, Director of the Millennium Park Eye Center, and Dr. Pete Setabutr, Director of the Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery Service.
“UIC is a great environment in which to start my career, and I hope to contribute as much as I have received,” says Dr. Bang.
Dr. Bang recalls the former Pediatric facilities as being rather cramped during her days as a resident and is also looking forward to working in the larger and updated space.
“It’s a beautiful open space,” notes Dr. Bang. “Patients and families will enjoy it.”
Click here for information on the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary’s Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Service.
