Mon Health Physician Named President of National Group

Dr. Jennifer Sivak, ophthalmic plastic surgeon at Mon Health Medical Center

Mon Health System is pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Sivak, ophthalmic plastic surgeon at Mon Health Medical Center, has recently been named the president of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).

“ASOPRS is committed to improving the lives of patients receiving oculoplastic and orbital care, as well as supporting the physicians that provide this expertise,” said Dr. Sivak. “I am proud to be a part of this organization and work alongside so many skilled and dedicated professionals.”

Oculoplastic surgery, a specialized area of ophthalmology focused on eyelid health, orbit, tear ducts and other structures around the eye, is often called oculofacial or ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. The surgery treats conditions ranging from drooping eyelids and blocked tear ducts to orbital fractures and tumors of the eye.

A recent patient of Dr. Sivak’s, who suffered from droopy eyelids was extremely pleased with the surgery and expertise of the Dr. Sivak in improving her vision.

“My eyelids would get tired in the evening. It was even hard to see the ceiling when looking straight ahead, because the excessive eyelid skin would impair my vision,” explained the patient. “The condition is genetic and most of my family members have it, but Dr. Sivak’s correction was superb. She calmed my nerves at the beginning of the surgery by massaging my head, she’s so empathetic and kind.”

In 2001, Dr. Sivak joined the faculty of the West Virginia University (WVU) Eye Institute, achieving rank of full professor in 2012. During her 17 years in academic practice at WVU, Dr. Sivak established a thyroid eye disease clinic, served as Ophthalmology Residency Director and ASOPRS Fellowship Program Director. She served on student evaluation and accreditation committees with a career devoted to education of oculoplastic surgeons. She joined the staff of Mon Health Medical Center in 2018 and has been leading the way in oculoplastic surgery since.

Dr. Sivak has a long history of volunteerism, serving as Executive Secretary on the Executive Committee (2016-2018) for ASOPRS, Secretary of Education for the International Thyroid Eye Disease Society, and as a member of the Editorial Board of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Sivak earned her undergraduate degree at Indiana University, and her Doctor of Medicine degree at Ohio State University. She completed her internship in internal medicine at the University of Tennessee and ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt University where she was Chief Resident. Dr. Sivak continued her studies in Vancouver, British Columbia, completing fellowship training with emphasis in orbital and multidisciplinary surgery. She was inducted into the International Orbital Society in 2013.

To learn more and schedule an appointment today, visit MonHealth.com.