A Feinberg Tradition: The Eighth Annual Arthur and Esther Kane LectureThe Eighth Annual Arthur and Esther Kane Lecture took place on Wednesday, October 27, at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Faculty, staff, and patients gathered with named benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Kane at the Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center to hear a rousing account of the evolution of treatment for age-related macular degeneration, a retinal disease that often leads to a loss of central vision.  | Mr. and Mrs. Kane |
The evening’s program began with introductions from both former and current chairs of the Department of Ophthalmology, Lee M. Jampol, MD, Louis Feinberg, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, and Nicholas J. Volpe, MD, George W. and Edwina Tarry Professor of Ophthalmology. Dr. Jampol discussed the history of age-related macular degeneration, proclaiming that the field has come a long way in dealing with this disease. Dr. Jampol also referenced Dr. Volpe’s recent investiture and inauguration as chair, sharing that Dr. Volpe fits beautifully into the department’s future plans to catapulting into the upper echelons of the field. Thanking Dr. Jampol and Mr. and Mrs. Kane, Dr. Volpe took the podium to speak more about how their tremendous generosity and ongoing partnership with the Feinberg School made this lecture possible. “Lectures like these are critical to the dissemination of knowledge,” shared Dr. Volpe, “helping to drive new ideas and inspire research in the field. It is truly engaged, grateful patients like the Kanes who make this all possible.” Drs. Volpe and Jampol presented the Kanes with a token in appreciation of their excellent philanthropy to the medical school, following which, Dr. Volpe introduced the evening’s guest lecturer, Stuart L. Fine, MD, Irene Heinz Given and John Laporte Given Professor of Ophthalmology, and chair emeritus of ophthalmology from the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania—“a friend and mentor to me, and one of—if not the—most influential ophthalmologists in the last 50 years.” Devoted to education, Dr. Fine has mentored and worked with countless individuals, helping to usher them into the field to achieve tremendous accomplishments along their subsequent career paths. In welcoming Dr. Fine and handing over the microphone, Dr. Volpe declared his hopes to be as successful at Feinberg as Dr. Fine has been at Scheie.  | Dr. Fine |
Dr. Fine’s ensuing presentation was unconventional in its lack of visual aids and specific scientific data, but clearly engaging for every guest in attendance. His overview of the evolution of research, discoveries, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related macular degeneration was a comprehensive window into the field. “In light of what we know today, it’s incredible how little we knew back then.” In consideration of the diverse audience, Dr. Fine also described the processes through which physician-scientists apply for grant funding. The question and answer session that followed Dr. Fine’s presentation was lively, with many inquiries centered on future treatments for the disease. In particular, Mr. Kane asked about gene augmentation therapy. In addition, there was discussion of nanotechnology, stem cell therapy, and modes of prevention for the disease. The burgeoning discoveries in the field of ophthalmology clearly make it of immense interest to many—with this in mind and with sincere thanks to the Kanes for their altruism, we look forward to the ninth annual lecture in 2011. By: Andrea Arntsen-Harris
Photo Credit: Nathan Mandell | 
