January 2024 Barkan Society Newsletter

Dear Barkan Society Alumni, Residents, and Faculty, 


Happy New Year! We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As Co-Presidents of the Barkan Society, we extend warm wishes for a joyous and prosperous year ahead. 


As we step into 2024, we're thrilled about the exciting prospects that lie ahead. Registration is open for the 38th Annual Barkan Day Research Symposium, taking place this June 15th at the Pacific Vision Eye Institute. Last year's event was a tremendous success with nearly 100 attendees both in-person and over Zoom. We anticipate another outstanding symposium, featuring insights from our remarkable CPMC Residents. 


Our commitment to showcasing the achievements of our community continues with our bi-monthly biography series. This month, we shine a spotlight on Dr. Spencer Harris, Chief CPMC Resident, sharing his inspiring journey within the Barkan Society. 


Here's to a year filled with connection, growth, and shared success. We look forward to the journey ahead with all of you. 


Please remember to visit the website – Barkansociety.com


With warmest regards,


Bob & Bernd


Barkan Society

Co-Presidents

Spotlight: Dr. Spencer Harris

Dr. Spencer Harris, currently serving as the Chief Resident in the CPMC Residency Program, embarked on his transformative journey in March 2021 and will graduate in March 2024, completing three remarkable years. Among his accomplished peers in the program are Dr. Tim Truong and Dr. Audrey Chow, forming a cohort of dedicated ophthalmology residents. 


Throughout his residency, Dr. Harris has been guided by influential mentors and leaders, including Dr. Mark Mandel, Dr. Jonathan Hernandez, Dr. Kristina Austin, Dr. Gaurav Shah, and Dr. Matthew Denny. Reflecting on his residency experience, Dr. Harris emphasizes the invaluable impact it has had on his life. The relationships forged with faculty and co-residents, whom he considers family and lifelong friends, have been pivotal. Engaging with the eye care of a special patient population at Highland Hospital and the Lions Eye Clinic has further enriched his perspective, with humble, grateful, and compassionate patients leaving an indelible mark on his training and career goals. 


Following graduation, Dr. Harris plans to travel to the Galapagos Islands, spending quality time with family before eagerly commencing a cornea fellowship at Duke in the summer. Dr. Harris expresses excitement about continuing his connection with the Barkan community, emphasizing the special and familial bond that makes it a unique and cherished group. His journey exemplifies the profound impact of residency on both personal and professional development, shaping a future dedicated to compassionate patient care and ongoing contributions to the field of ophthalmology. 

Register Today! Barkan Day 2024

Get ready for an eye-opening adventure! The 38th Annual Barkan Day will take place on June 15th, 2024 at the Pacific Vision Eye Institute.

Register Today!

Save The Date! AAO 2024 Chicago

AAO Visionary Reception: Friday, October 18th


Help Us Build the Barkan Society Community!

A reminder that all individuals with current and past affiliation with the CPMC Department of Ophthalmology are eligible to be members of the Society, not only current residents and former resident graduates. We particularly welcome faculty, former fellows and other contributors to the educational mission of the Barkan Society and the Department of Ophthalmology. 


Know someone who might like to become a part of the Barkan Society? Please let us know and we will reach out and see if they would like to connect. Thank you for helping to build our community!


Join us on Facebook, too!


Scan this QR code or click to join the Barkan Society Facebook Group and stay up-to-date on all things Barkan, collaborate with fellow alums, share ideas, employment and business opportunities, and more. Join today!  

Stay connected with the Pacific Vision Foundation and our mission by joining our online communities below. 

Facebook      Instagram      LinkedIn