Thomas Deutsch

Background

About Thomas Deutsch

Thomas A. Deutsch, M.D, is Senior Advisor to the President of Rush University (2024), and previously served as Senior Advisor to the CEO of the Rush University System for Health. He is Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, and holds the James A. Hunter, M.D. University Endowed Chair (emeritus) in Rush University, Chicago. Dr. Deutsch is also currently Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Lighthouse, a 120 year old institution in Chicago serving those who are blind, visually and otherwise disabled, and veterans. Dr. Deutsch concentrates on strategic execution in the dynamic environment of academic healthcare, and promotes leadership development through coaching and training of new and existing senior leaders. He previously has served as the Henry P. Russe, MD Dean of Rush Medical College for 14 years, the Provost of Rush University for 15 years, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Chairman of Ophthalmology. Dr. Deutsch received his medical degree from Rush Medical College in 1979, and was a resident and chief resident in ophthalmology at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. He is the author of over 75 articles, books, and book chapters, and lectures extensively. Dr. Deutsch is a member of many professional groups, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, for which he is past Secretary for New Ophthalmic Information, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the American College of Surgeons, where he formally sat on the Advisory Council for Ophthalmic Surgery and was the Ophthalmic Surgery Representative to the Program Committee. He is Past President of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society, and Past President of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Lighthouse, and is currently Chairman of the Board. Dr. Deutsch is the recipient of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Honor Award and Senior Achievement Award. In 2010 he received the inaugural Leonidas H. Berry Faculty Award for Advancement of Multicultural Affairs from the students of Rush Medical College.