Geoffrey Nguyen, MD

Dr. Nguyen, a resident physician at Yale School of Medicine, is an innovator and leader advancing microsurgical education through research in virtual reality and AI simulation training in order to combat worldwide blindness. His research spearheaded multiple projects to create accessible microsurgical training modules so that ophthalmology trainees can learn key steps of cataract surgery to address the increasing burden of vision impairment around the world. He designed numerous ophthalmology teaching tools, including 3D printed model eyes and suturing modules which have been utilized in multiple surgical training curriculums, including Johns Hopkins, Yale, Baylor, NYU, and Georgetown. He is also a passionate advocate for equity in healthcare and medical education - piloting multiple online platforms, including YouTube channels, websites, and twitter accounts to create opportunities for networking and promoting medical education for students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. His research laid the foundation for implementing a preference signaling system to improve diversity and equity in the selection process for future ophthalmology resident physicians. This system is now used by all applicants applying for ophthalmology residency in the United States. Additionally, he has led initiatives to address racial disparities in healthcare in underserved communities through organizing and participating in mobile clinics that provide free medical and eye care. His research with the Children’s Vision Equity Alliance aims to identify social determinants of health in marginalized pediatric populations in order to decrease barriers in obtaining care and prevent vision loss in children.