Biography
Dr. Carol Shields completed her residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia in 1987 and subsequently did fellowship training in ocular oncology, oculoplastic surgery, and ophthalmic pathology. She is currently Co-Director of the Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
She has authored or coauthored 12 textbooks, over 1500 articles in major peer-reviewed journals, over 300 textbook chapters, given over 700 lectureships, and has received numerous professional awards. The 7 most prestigious awards include:
- The Byron Kanaley Award (1979) given to the top student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame. She was the first woman ever to receive this award.
- The Donders Award (2003) given by the Netherlands Ophthalmological Society every 5 years to an ophthalmologist worldwide who has contributed extensively to the field of ophthalmology. She was the first woman ever to receive this award.
- Honorary Doctorate of Science Degree from the University of Notre Dame (2005) and the Catholic University (2011) bestowed at the graduation ceremonies from each University. She was the first woman graduate of Notre Dame to receive this award.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology Life Achievement Honor Award (2011) for significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology.
- Induction into the Academic All-American Hall of Fame (2011) for lifetime success in athleticism and career.
- President of the International Society of Ocular Oncology (2013-2015) – This is the largest international society of clinicians and basic scientists interested in ocular tumors. She was the first elected President of this society.
- Ophthalmology Power List - Nominated by peers as one of the top 100 leaders in the field of ophthalmology and published in The Ophthalmologist. There have only been 2 “Top 100” power lists in 2014 and 2016 and she was on both.
Dr. Carol Shields is a member of numerous ocular oncology, pathology, and retina societies and has delivered 47 named lectures in America and abroad. She has been active in the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She serves on the editorial/advisory board of 27 journals including JAMA Ophthalmology, Retina, Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and International Journal of Clinical Oncology.
She practices Ocular Oncology on a full time basis with her husband, Dr. Jerry Shields and associates on the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital. Each year the Oncology Service manages approximately 500 patients with uveal melanoma, 120 patients with retinoblastoma, and numerous other intraocular, orbital, and adnexal tumors from the United States and abroad. She and her husband Jerry are the parents of 7 children, ranging in age from16 to 28 years.