In this occasional series, we check in on alumni of Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine’s ophthalmology residency program, to see what they’ve been up to since graduating.

Tamara Fountain, M.D., F.A.C.S., 1992

Tamara Fountain graduated from Wilmer’s ophthalmic residency program in 1992. In 1989, Fountain and her cohorts were the inaugural class of Morton Goldberg’s tenure as the institute’s fifth director. Although her residency program experience was intense, Fountain says, the program laid the groundwork for a successful career as a clinician. “Wilmer taught me the fundamentals of ophthalmology,” she recalls. “It gave me a sound foundation for my clinical career.”

Currently, Fountain is a full-time oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery specialist at Northshore University Health System and part-time faculty at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Over the years, Fountain has received many awards and honors, including the Orkan G. Stasior Leadership Award from the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Wilmer Eye institute and the Lifetime Achievement Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Fountain has trailblazed a career of many firsts. In 2021, she served a year term as the 125th president of AAO — the first African-American woman to lead the organization, which represents about 32,000 ophthalmologists. Presently, Fountain serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Ophthalmology, and she is an associate editor of the medical journal, Ophthalmology among many other roles.

What advice would she give today’s ophthalmic residents? “Show up. Speak up. Follow up. Recognize opportunities to expand your network and experiences,” Fountain says. “Don't be afraid to use your voice. Show appreciation and gratitude to those who support you in your career and personal life.”