Honoring the Visionary Leadership of Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D.

In January of 2023, Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D., stepped down as chair of the University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and director of the W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, to serve as executive director of the U-M Medical Group and senior U-M Medical School associate dean for clinical affairs. As chair, Dr. Lee greatly impacted the department and the field through his internationally recognized expertise in glaucoma, patient-centered care, health services research, innovative leadership, and successful recruitment of top health services researchers to U-M.

He was instrumental in raising the profile of health services research, a field that encompasses many areas. In ophthalmology, health services researchers focus on how eye care is accessed and delivered in local, low- to middle-income communities as well as to impoverished populations around the world. Our faculty are finding ways to help kids and older adults receive regular vision screening to detect problems before they become worse. We are using big data sets to identify trends and determine best practices. In addition to vision care, our work influences all medical care, and it is because of Dr. Lee that our foundation in this vital area is solid.

“I believe the work we are spearheading will influence not just ophthalmology, but health care more broadly at Michigan Medicine, in the state, across the nation, and around the globe.” Angela Elam, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Lee’s interest in health services research began when the field was new. His focus on developing best practices and broadening access to care has led to innovations such as better tools, technologies, treatments, and methods enabling providers to reach more people. The benefits of health services research are many, the possibilities endless.

“Dr. Lee was one of the key people in the field of ophthalmology health services research. Early on he saw its importance ahead of the industry. Back in 2005 to 2006, there were less than 10 people in this space. Today, there are dozens more— all thanks to Dr. Lee.” Joshua Stein, M.D.

To honor Dr. Lee’s distinguished leadership and impact, we created the Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D., Chair’s Innovation Research Fund. It is the first step to establishing an endowed professorship in his name which will ensure the innovative research Dr. Lee has produced and championed will continue in perpetuity, allowing future physician-researchers to impact the field.

Please join us in honoring Dr. Paul Lee’s many contributions to ophthalmology and health services research while ensuring tomorrow’s leaders can carry on his innovative efforts. To make a gift or get more information, please contact our W.K. Kellogg Eye Center development partners, Lindsay Baden at 734-604-7977 or linmwell@umich.edu, or Amanda Barnett at 734-274-3009 or akbarnet@umich.edu.

Header image caption: Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D.