Residency Program
“Just as I find great joy in giving the gift of music to my listeners, I know that I will find gratification in helping patients with their vision as an ophthalmologist.”
First year resident Gilbert Wong remembers an important moment that influenced his life and will make an impact on his career as an ophthalmologist: “My twin brother and I were in the final round of a national junior two-piano competition. The organizers had invited several hundred high school students from inner-city Miami to fill the auditorium. Most of these teens were probably accustomed to listening to Puff Daddy and Tupac, so I wondered if they were going to be able to sit through our 45-minute program of Rachmaninoff and Lutoslawski.”
“Nonetheless, Andrew and I stepped onto the stage, sat down at our respective pianos, and began to play. The moment we started, a hush filled the auditorium and the listeners seemed captivated by our music. Our performance was nearly flawless, as if the audience had somehow sharpened our focus with their silent energy. At the conclusion of our final piece, the crowd stood up and burst out in cheers and applause. Backstage, I was greeted by a crowd of smiling teenagers waiting for autographs. Meanwhile, their teachers came up to me to express how much my brother and I had inspired their students. I felt wonderful, not only for winning a national junior championship with my brother, but also for touching the hearts of my audience. Just as I find great joy in giving the gift of music to my listeners, I know that I will find gratification in helping patients with their vision as an ophthalmologist.”
Gilbert and Andrew practicing together at age eight.
Other music-related events in Gilbert’s life have shaped his choice to become an ophthalmologist. “As a medical student, I organized and performed in recitals, music therapy sessions, and Christmas caroling in the hospital for patients and their families. It was gratifying to see the music brighten their day. Likewise, by maintaining, improving, and restoring sight, I can affect my future patients’ lives in a very meaningful way.”
A few years ago Gilbert saw a television program featuring Moran’s Director of International Ophthalmology, Dr. Geoffrey Tabin, and Dr. Sanduk Ruit of Nepal as they carried out charitable missions in the Himalayan Region. “Inspired by what I saw, with my fluency in Chinese, I hope to do ophthalmology missions in China.”
The physicians and staff at the Moran Eye Center feel confident that Dr. Wong will positively influence the hearing and sight of many people around the world throughout his lifetime.