Wills Eye Hospital names new co-chief residents

Charles Brodowski, MD, and Patrick Rapuano, MD, have been named co-chief residents at Wills Eye Hospital, effective May 1.

As Co-Chief Residents, Brodowski and Rapuano will lead the team of resident doctors on staff, focusing on training and recruitment while attending to their own medical resident duties.

Charles Brodowski, MD

Patrick Rapuano, MD

The Wills Eye Hospital Residency Program at Jefferson is consistently rated one of the best in the world and focuses on equipping its graduates with the skills needed to become successful ophthalmologists. Notable program strengths include the clinical volume, research experience, involvement in the Wills Eye Emergency Department, and availability of expert faculty in every subspecialty. In its nearly two centuries of existence, Wills Eye has trained the most ophthalmologists of any program in the country.

“Patrick and Charles have exhibited tremendous drive, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn and lead. We are thrilled to have them step into the role of Co-Chief Residents and know they will be superb guides for our current and incoming resident classes,” said Julia A. Haller, MD, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief of Wills Eye Hospital. “The Wills residency program is rooted in teamwork, mentorship, and access to unparalleled experience and expertise. It’s looking to be another banner year for the residents and their impact at the hospital.”

According to Wills Eye Hospital, Brodowski attended the University of Delaware and graduated from medical school at Thomas Jefferson University. As co-chief resident, he is most looking forward to serving as an advocate for residents and finding ways to optimize the overall experience for both residents and attendings at Wills Eye.

“My favorite thing about the Wills Eye Hospital Residency Program is the camaraderie amongst all of the residents and the willingness to help each other out in any way possible,” Brodowski said. “My advice to the incoming class of residents is to work hard and always look out for each other. If you do those things, you’ll achieve success and have a great experience.”

Wills Eye Hospital noted that Rapuano is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross as well as Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He also cited the camaraderie of the Wills Eye Residency Program as one of its distinguishing qualities and looks forward to spending more time in the operating room learning intraocular surgery during his year as co-chief resident.

“Wills is a place where hands-on learners thrive. One of my favorite things about the program is the amazing learning opportunities in the Wills emergency room,” said Rapuano. “I would encourage residents from the incoming class to jump in from day one and take advantage of the supportive Wills environment and amazing teachers that surround them.”

To learn more about the Wills Eye Hospital Residency Program at Jefferson, please visit https://www.willseye.org/education-2/residency-program/.