This year, Harvard Ophthalmology is honoring Matthew Gardiner, MD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Ophthalmology Emergency, Consult, and Hospitalist Services at Mass Eye and Ear, for his dedication to teaching and mentoring clinical trainees and junior faculty.
Board-certified in both internal medicine and ophthalmology, Dr. Gardiner has led our Ophthalmology Emergency Department since 2003, where he is an important mentor for new residents gaining experience in urgent and emergent eye care. He also plays a vital role in the resident cataract curriculum and has hosted nearly 30 medical students for one-month rotations as a part of the HMS course OP501.
Generous with his time and always willing to provide clinical advice—even when he is not officially attending—Dr. Gardiner is often the first faculty member that residents get to know well.
In addition, Dr. Gardiner plays a central role in the Harvard Ophthalmology Mentoring Program, serving as a formal mentor to 10 junior faculty members.
In recognition of his outstanding efforts in medical education, Dr. Gardiner received the Teacher of the Year award twice (in 2005 and 2011) from the Harvard Ophthalmology residents and was nominated for the Harvard Medical School Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2021.