Malik Y. Kahook
The Power List 2019 – Inventors
Malik Y. Kahook
The Slater Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, Professor and Chief, Glaucoma Service at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, The University of Colorado’s Department of Ophthalmology, Aurora, USA.
What is the best part of being an ophthalmologist?
I consider myself lucky to be involved in ophthalmology at one of the most exciting times in history to be an eye surgeon. Our profession allows us to have a direct influence on the lives of patients, while also participating in cutting edge research that could impact how we – and others – practice medicine for decades to come.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the continuous effort to serve my patients, my colleagues, my department and my university. The team effort required for exemplary patient care is no different from the focus required to elevate a team towards new innovation and the development of cutting edge technologies. I value being a member of a larger team and feel motivated to do my part to help us all achieve our goals.
What is your proudest achievement?
From an innovation standpoint, my proudest achievements include advancing devices from concept to commercialization. The Kahook Dual Blade (Commercialized by New World Medical), ClarVista Medical’s Harmoni Intraocular Lens (acquired by Alcon), ShapeTech’s Shape Memory Polymers (licensed to Johnson and Johnson Vision) and other device companies that I’ve been involved with over the years have provided a great deal of professional satisfaction and pride. From a clinical standpoint, training fellows who go on to achieve their work and life-related goals is the ultimate source of professional fulfilment. I’ve been fortunate to be associated with many colleagues who are also close friends and maintaining those strong bonds over the decades has been a major source of both professional and personal gratification.
What do you hope to achieve in the next ten years?
I hope the next ten years will bring much of the same as the last ten years. I want to continue expanding and enhancing the world-class clinical and residency/fellowship training enterprise we have built at the University of Colorado. We have several novel projects entering into preclinical and clinical testing and I’m committed to continuing work in the field of ophthalmic device and drug innovation for the foreseeable future. Additionally, I’m committed to continuing surgical mission work to provide ophthalmic care in underserved areas, and hope to expand on this part of my professional life over the next few years. This is an exciting time to be an ophthalmologist and I believe the future will continue to be bright for all of us lucky enough to be in this field of medical service.
