Training for breakthroughs

Funds support the next generation of physician-scientists in developing innovative therapies

Dr. Gupta and her son, Dilan celebrating at his high school graduation. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lopa Y. Gupta.

Lopa Y. Gupta, MD, a leading eyelid and cosmetic surgeon in New York City and a past Stanford ophthalmology resident, has generously established two funds to support current and future residents’ research: The Marmor-Blumenkranz Ophthalmology Residents Research Fund and the Lopa Yogesh Gupta Ophthalmology Residents Research Fund.

Dr. Gupta has built a career marked by accolades and philanthropic endeavors and credits part of her success to the residency training she received at Stanford. She was motivated to establish these funds so that Stanford residents today and, in the future, can benefit from the same enriching research experience that she found so impactful during her residency. Dr. Gupta seeks to encourage residents to become physician-scientists who will strive to push the boundaries of science to improve eye care for patients worldwide.

During her time at Stanford, Dr. Gupta conducted clinical and basic science research on retinal diseases, and her findings were published in peer-reviewed journals. As a resident, Dr. Gupta trained under the supervision of Michael Marmor, MD, professor of ophthalmology, and Mark S. Blumenkranz, MD, H.J. Smead professor emeritus of ophthalmology. Part of the Marmor-Blumenkranz Ophthalmology Residents Research Fund was used to establish a prize awarding successful residents the opportunity to attend and present at a national or international conference.

“Through these endowed funds, his altruism and philanthropic endeavors will live on forever,” Dr. Gupta said. “Training the next generation of brilliant ophthalmic physician-scientists will be part of Dilan’s legacy and will support Stanford’s effort to develop improved treatments for patients with debilitating eye disease and vision loss.

“My beloved son, Dilan, who passed on from the consequences of an inoperable brain lesion on June 21, 2018, was instrumental in establishing these funds at Stanford,” Dr. Gupta said.

Dilan lived a life of compassion. He was heavily involved in philanthropic work in underprivileged parts of India with his mother and the rest of their family. Dilan, who was an undergraduate student at Columbia University, spent his Saturdays mentoring teenage boys in Harlem and began a start-up company focused on sports and altruism.

“Through these endowed funds, his altruism and philanthropic endeavors will live on forever,” Dr. Gupta said. “Training the next generation of brilliant ophthalmic physician-scientists will be part of Dilan’s legacy and will support Stanford’s effort to develop improved treatments for patients with debilitating eye disease and vision loss.”

 



Story created in collaboration with MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT