Balamurali Krishna "Bala" Ambati, an Indian-American ophthalmologist, educator, and researcher, gained worldwide recognition when he entered the Guinness Book of World Records on May 19, 1995, as the youngest doctor at the age of 17 years and 294 days.
Born into a Telugu family in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, Ambati's early intellect was evident as he excelled academically from a young age, publishing a book on HIV/AIDS at 11 years old. He graduated from New York University at 13 and Mount Sinai School of Medicine at 17, scoring exceptionally on his National Medical Boards.
Despite his youthful achievements, Ambati disliked comparisons to fictional characters like Doogie Howser. He pursued further studies, completing a residency at Harvard University and a fellowship at Duke University. Ambati's contributions to ophthalmology include innovative research on corneal angiogenesis and participation in charitable endeavors like the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital.
Throughout his career, Ambati has received numerous awards for his groundbreaking work, including the Ludwig von Sallmann Clinician-Scientist Award and the Troutman-Véronneau Prize. He continues to make significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology while practicing in Eugene, Oregon.
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