New Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology Chair Named

CHICAGO --- Nicholas J. Volpe, M.D., Professor and Adele Niessen Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has been named the new chair of ophthalmology at Northwestern Medicine effective Sept 1.

Northwestern Medicine is comprised of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to neuro-ophthalmology and resident education, Volpe served for more 10 years as vice chair of the department of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania, where he established a preeminent neuro-ophthalmology program at the Scheie Eye Institute.  He also was recognized in the Top Doctors list of Philadelphia Magazine for 2009 and 2010.

In his new position, Volpe said he plans to develop a technologically advanced, state-of-the- art specialty practice that attracts patients regionally and nationally, develop focused areas of basic, translational and clinical research and create "the most outstanding residency program in the country."

Volpe will be chair of ophthalmology at Feinberg and Northwestern Memorial.

He said he is inheriting what is already "an excellent department and with Northwestern's resources, innovative ideas and continued hard work, I believe this department can continue to advance in all of its missions."

Volpe is looking forward to living in Chicago, which he called "one of the greatest American cites, rich in culture and quality of life." He is excited about sampling the city's varied music, sports ("Cubs or Sox?" he ponders) and the chance to ride his bike and run along the lake.   

Volpe currently edits or reviews 10 journals, has authored more than 100 research papers and is co-author of Neuro-ophthalmology:  Diagnosis and Management, a highly regarded textbook of neuro-ophthalmology. His clinical expertise also includes adult strabismus surgery.

Volpe succeeds Lee Jampol, M.D., who was chair of ophthalmology for almost 27 years.