David A. Quillen was named chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, effective July 1, after serving as interim chair since 2002. As chair, Quillen oversees the clinical, research, education and service missions of the department.
"This appointment reflects Dr. Quillen's strong background in clinical care, nearly 10 years of medical education and leadership experience, and exceptional record of professional achievements, which will benefit our patients and institution," said Darrell G. Kirch, dean and senior vice president for health affairs in the Penn State College of Medicine and chief executive officer of Penn State Hershey Medical Center. "He has significantly contributed to the rebirth of a department now recognized as a leader in eye care delivery and ophthalmology education, and as a center of excellence in diabetic retinopathy research. We wish him many more years of accomplishments."
Quillen has contributed to Penn State College of Medicine since his first year of medical school in 1986. Following his ophthalmology residency training at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Quillen completed a medical retina fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. He returned to Penn State Hershey Medical Center in 1995, where he has since served as a full-time faculty member.
In addition to serving as interim chair, Quillen has held several leadership positions within the department, including residency program director and chief of ophthalmology at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Lebanon, Pa.
Quillen has published more than 30 journal articles and book chapters on a variety of clinical and research topics, and has presented his research findings at ophthalmology meetings and medical grand rounds across the country. He is co-editor of "Clinical Retina," a nationally recognized textbook on retinal diseases.
Quillen is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award (2004); Teacher of the Year, Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State College of Medicine (2002, 2000, 1997, 1996); Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship; and Ophthalmology Research Award, Pennsylvania State University. Quillen serves on many major committees of both Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and contributes his time to a myriad of community service and outreach activities.
Quillen received his undergraduate degree from Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, in 1986, and his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine in 1990. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.