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Department of Ophthalmology University of Pittsburgh
Ophthalmology Alumni Spotlight
Albert Biglan, MD Resident 1973-1976 City: Pittsburgh, PA
Family:
My wife Barb and I have been married for 52 years. We have two children and two grandchildren.
Hobbies:
Gardening has been an avocation for me, and I became a Master Gardener following my retirement. I’ve also served on a number of boards in the community such as the Phipps Conservatory, where I served as Chairman of the Board during its growth to become one of the largest green facilities in the country, to the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Career Focus:
Pediatric Ophthalmology and adult strabismus
Career:
I finished my residency in ophthalmology under Dick Katzin, the acting Chief until Dr. Stuart Brown arrived. I then applied for a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology as I liked the subspecialty and was inspired by Dr. David Hiles. I thought that Indianapolis had the best program in the country for pediatric ophthalmology fellowship and was accepted for a year of fellowship training. The fellowship exceeded my expectations. About halfway through the fellowship, I returned to Pittsburgh and discussed coming back to Pittsburgh to practice. With Dr. Brown’s hesitant blessing, I joined Dave Hiles and Milt Pettapiece, M.D. and this is where I spent my career until retirement. I practiced for 29 years and retired at what I felt was the peak of my practice and surgical skills at the age of 63. At one point our practice had offices in Cranberry Township, Murrysville, and Peters Township, and included four pediatric ophthalmologists, 16 exam lanes, and 32 staff members.
Most important thing to you about having attended Pitt for Ophthalmology:
Excellent training and having the convenience and stimulation of practicing so close to the former Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, in addition to having Eye and Ear virtually across the street from our office. I enjoyed working with our pediatric community and working with our ENT colleagues, operating side by side with them, in the OR suite, at Eye and Ear Hospital.
Funny Career Story:
After going to San Francisco in 1980 to take the Botulinum A toxin Course, I returned to Pittsburgh carrying 10 ampules of the deadly toxin in my checked bag. Well, the bag was lost on the flight and could not be found in the “lost luggage” department. Thankfully it was found the next day (Whew!!) and I was relieved that I would not be arrested as a terrorist!
What made you stay involved with the Department of Ophthalmology and the Eye & Ear Foundation:
I felt that ophthalmology was the finest career that one could have and that the subspecialty of pediatric ophthalmology, helping children to see at their fullest potential, was absolutely the best. I have been greatly blessed with my career in Pittsburgh and am very thankful for the help that I had throughout life and the privilege of working in the excellent facilities that I
Albert Biglan, MD
had throughout my career. Now that I am retired, it is time to give back and support the facilities and people that helped me along the way. This is so others can enjoy the experience, and support that I had during my 52 years in Pittsburgh
