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Julia Haller
Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Wills Eye Hospital
Julia A. Haller, MD, is a prominent ophthalmologist serving as the Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, since 2007. She holds the prestigious William Tasman, MD Endowed Chair and is also a Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.123
Education and Early Career
Dr. Haller graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University and earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she made history as the first female chief resident in 1986. Following her residency, she joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins, where she directed the retina fellowship program and held several notable professorships.134
Contributions and Innovations
Dr. Haller is recognized as one of the leading retina surgeons globally. Her work has significantly advanced the field of ophthalmology, particularly in areas such as retinal pharmacology, gene therapy, and telemedicine. She has authored over 400 scientific articles and book chapters, focusing on various retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.234
Leadership Roles
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Haller has held several leadership positions within medical organizations. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on various boards including the Society of Heed Fellows and the American Ophthalmological Society. Her leadership extends to roles in educational institutions, having been a trustee at both Princeton University and the Bryn Mawr School.123
Personal Life
Dr. Haller resides in Philadelphia with her husband, John D. Gottsch, MD, who is also an ophthalmologist. They have five children together.4
Her extensive contributions to ophthalmology have earned her recognition as one of "America’s Top Doctors" from Castle Connolly for multiple years.3
