Up Close and Personal with 2016 Award Winners

Aaron Nagiel, MD, PhD

After completing fellowship at the Stein Eye Institute, I joined the faculty at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which is affiliated with the USC Roski Eye Institute. My clinical practice is focused solely on the care of pediatric vitreoretinal conditions, which I have found to be immensely rewarding.

I also have a fledgling laboratory research program utilizing 3-dimensional human retinal organoids to understand retinal development and how it can be affected in early-onset retinal disorders. In addition, I work on clinical research projects with the USC residents and fellows. Of particular interest to me are endoscopic vitrectomy techniques.

Outside of work, I enjoy crossword puzzles, playing tennis, and spending time my wonderful wife Svetlana and three lovely daughters, Elina, Rita, and Mila.

Thanos Papakostas, MD

It is a great honor to be a member of the Michels Fellows family. I completed my residency and fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and I have been on faculty at the Weill Cornell Department of Ophthalmology as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology since 2017.

My research is focused on novel treatments for proliferative vitreoretinopathy, new surgical techniques and retinal imaging. I maintain a busy surgical and medical retina practice and serve as a preceptor to students, residents and fellows.

Aristomenis Thanos, MD

It's hard to believe that three years have gone by so fast. After completing my residency training at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary and my fellowship training at Associated Retinal Consultants/William Beaumont Hospital, I was very fortunate to join the retina department of Legacy Devers Eye Institute in Portland, OR. My clinical practice involves both medical and surgical management of adult and pediatric vitreoretinal diseases. I enjoy working with residents and fellows, and participating in clinical trials. Devers has been an incredible place to work, where I can provide care to patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

When not in clinic or the operating room, I enjoy the beauties of the Pacific Northwest, playing the guitar, doing medical illustrations, or enjoy a cup of coffee with a great book. It has been a real pleasure and honor to be part of the RGM Foundation family.

Bozho Todorich, MD, PhD

After completing my vitreoretinal fellowship at William Beaumont Hospital and Associated Retinal Consultants, I joined Pennsylvania Retina Specialists where I am in my third year of practice (time flies!). I really enjoyed building a very busy and comprehensive vitreoretinal practice, spanning all aspects of medical and surgical retina, pediatric retina and uveitis.

Academically, I am very involved in clinical trials and I am growing our in-house investigator-initiated research department. Specifically, my research is focused on improving techniques of scleral IOL fixation, developing strategies for treatment-resistant neovascular AMD, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy, and device design for vitreoretinal surgery. I have active collaborations with our industry partners and local universities. I also serve on the executive board of Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology as the PAO secretary of education, and am involved in resident and medical student teaching.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and our three, highly energetic twin boys and still try to actively maintain my skills on the basketball court.