Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology

Stephen Tsang, MD, Ph.D. is an associate professor of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology. Since 1992, he has been working on gene-targeting in stem cells and created the first gene-targeted model for a recessive form of retinitis pigmentosa with gene-targeting in embryonic stem cell technology; this model is used in current research by numerous laboratories. He received his M.D.-Ph.D. degrees from the NIH-National Institute of General Medical Sciences Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Columbia University. Dr. Tsang then completed his residency at Jules Stein Eye Institute/UCLA. Dr. Tsang's contributions to retinal degeneration research are known internationally and he is a member of the Fight-For-Sight grant-in-aid review panel for the last eight years. In his New York State supported stem cell program (N09G-302), we are examining embryonic stem (ES) cells to model and replace diseased human retinal cells. His skills are being recognized by the 2005 Bernard Becker-“Association of University Professor in Ophthalmology”-“Research to Prevent Blindness” Award. Dr. Tsang also participates in resident teaching and is the Columbia ophthalmology basic science course director. He is a member of the Macular Society. Named one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists in 2009, he has published over 60 research articles and lectured internationally on personalized medicine and stem cells in regenerative medicine.