Internationally recognized for her work in both diabetic retinopathy and uveitis, Lucia Sobrin, MD, MPH, was promoted to Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical school (effective May 1, 2021). Earlier this month, Dr. Sobrin was also named the next incumbent of the Charles Edward Whitten Professorship of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School.
This professorship was created in 2011 to honor Chair Joan W. Miller, MD, and her role in developing the first two treatments for age-related macular degeneration. The professorship is named in honor of Dr. Miller’s father until her retirement, at which time it will become the Joan Whitten Miller Professorship of Ophthalmology.
Evangelos S. Gragoudas, MD, has served as the inaugural Whitten Professor of Ophthalmology for the past 10 years and will now transition to the Charles Edward Whitten Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Sobrin upholds the legacy of the professorship in every aspect. With clinical interests spanning retina, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy, she is a key member of both the Retina and the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Services at Mass Eye and Ear. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research on the genetic epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy, and she lends her expertise in a number of important leadership positions across the department and Mass General Brigham. A dedicated and generous teacher, Dr. Sobrin is an important role model for junior clinician scientists, including women and minorities, and she is devoted to helping her trainees advance their knowledge and develop their professional careers.