While much has changed at the Wilmer Eye Institute since its founding nearly 100 years ago, one constant has remained: the dedication of the people who work here. For example, Wilmer has had only six directors over the past 97 years. Something about Wilmer inspires loyalty to the people and place.

Cathy Taylor, a beloved staff member who died in 2022, exemplified this dedication. As the residency program coordinator for more than 15 years, she helped ensure the program ran smoothly and the residents were provided all they needed during their three years at Wilmer.

“Cathy was an integral part of our residency program,” says Fasika Woreta, M.D., M.P.H., the Eugene de Juan, M.D. Professor of Ophthalmic Education and current residency program director. “She was a source of endless support from the time I arrived as a resident in 2008, returned as chief resident, joined the Wilmer faculty and when I became director of the program.”

Taylor’s institutional knowledge was beyond compare, but what made her truly beloved was her devotion to the residents.

“Ask anyone and they’ll say that Cathy was absolutely buoyant. She was the beating heart of our residency program. She provided a listening ear, always shared needed words of encouragement, and had a laugh so loud it would literally reverberate down the halls,” says Ian Han, M.D., a former resident and chief resident at Wilmer.

She was a true advocate for residents during what Woreta says is, “probably the most stressful time in a doctor’s life.” Because of this, faculty members established the Cathy Taylor Staff Resident Advocate Award to be given to a staff member or members who go above and beyond to support Wilmer’s residents. Faculty members and alumni have funded the award so that its winner or winners receive both recognition and a monetary award.

The inaugural recipients of the award are Irene Lao, medical training program administrator, and Shelley Casey, clinic manager of the Patient Access Center for the Eye (PACE) — Wilmer’s ophthalmology resident clinic. “Cathy was such a champion for her residents, and to be recognized as an advocate worthy of her comparison is heartwarming,” says Lao.

Casey echoes these sentiments. “Having your work recognized always feels good, but to be associated with Cathy Taylor, for whom generations of Wilmer residents held so much affection, is really humbling. I’m honored to have the work I find so rewarding recognized in such a special way.”