Midwestern University Student Awarded Research to Prevent Blindness Fellowship

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine student David Sutter (CCOM ’25) was awarded the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Student Eye Research Fellowship by the American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AOCOO-HNS), a national foundation that contributes to the training, education and research for residents, in partnership with Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), a nonprofit organization that contributes to eye research that examines the prevention, treatment, or cures for diseases that compromise vision.

“I am humbled that a committee of ophthalmologists (doctors that examine eye disease and conduct treatment and surgery) and otolaryngologists (doctors with specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that impact the ear, nose, and throat) entrusted me with this opportunity to learn. It makes me feel closer to my profession, connected to the hard work and dedication that came before me, and more committed to the focus of serving others,” David said and shared his dream of becoming a physician-engineer. 

David will spend a year at Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) conducting research in the ophthalmology field (eye specialty with deeper examination of diseases affecting the eyes, accompanied by advanced training for medicine and surgery). “During my research year at OHSU, I will build on my knowledge of Machine Learning to develop tools that may automatedly categorize and stage prevalent pediatric eye disease. The fellowship gives me the privilege of financial freedom to study and tinker with the practical clinical uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and puts me among a community where I can draw experience and mentorship which will be valuable throughout my entire career.” He added, “Ophthalmology fascinates me because the eye serves as a deep window into systemic disease. I believe this is not too far from osteopathic medicine’s perspective of the musculoskeletal system.” 

David added that his education at Midwestern University prepared him well for the fellowship. “Midwestern University has shown me that treating the whole patient means understanding that disease does not exist in isolation from an individual’s mind, body, and spirit, and as physicians we must be stewards of the body’s natural ability to heal. These tenants have a role in innovation and serve as guardrails against over-engineering a solution or building technology that may interfere with the physician-patient relationship.” 

Midwestern University supports students through various advancement opportunities. External and internal research opportunities are one of the supplemental benefits of an education at the University.