The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Esther M. Bowie, MD, to its Board of Directors for a term beginning January 1, 2021. The nation’s first medical specialty board, the ABO develops rigorous assessments for the certification of eye physicians and surgeons in the United States. Since 1916, more than 32,000 physicians have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in ophthalmology through ABO certification.
As a Director of the ABO, Dr. Bowie will apply her ophthalmic expertise to the development of professional standards designed to protect the well-being of eye care patients. Over 104 years, fewer than 200 ophthalmologists have been selected for this prestigious leadership role at the ABO—a physician-led, not-for-profit organization.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Dr. Bowie earned her medical degree at the University of the West Indies, trained in ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and completed a fellowship in surgical retina at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Prior to joining Penn State, Dr. Bowie served as Assistant Professor
of Ophthalmology at MUSC.
“The ABO is delighted that Dr. Bowie will be joining the Board of Directors,” said ABO Chief Executive Officer George B. Bartley, MD. “She has contributed mightily and faithfully to our examination development efforts and also as a skilled, thoughtful examiner. We look forward to her involvement with other aspects of the Board and to benefiting from her subspecialty expertise.”
Dr. Bowie achieved certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2004 and participates in the Continuing Certification program, designed to help keep ophthalmologists up to date in clinical knowledge and skills.