Dr. Karim G. Punja is a leading Ophthalmic Surgeon and educator specializing in Orbit & Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Practicing in Calgary for 19 years, he is deeply committed to advancing the field through training and global outreach. 

Dr. Punja's educational journey began with a science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, followed by medical school and residency at Queen's University. He then pursued specialized training with a prestigious two-year ASOPRS fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, under the mentorship of Dr. Don Kikkawa. 

At the University of Calgary, Dr. Punja serves as both a Clinical Associate Professor and Program Director of the Orbit & Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program. His dedication to education has resulted in the training of 14 Fellows who now serve as experts in academic centers across Canada and internationally.

His commitment to teaching extends to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where he has served as a skills transfer instructor in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery for over two decades. His Orbit Eye Centre serves as a premier teaching facility, integrating education with quaternary level patient care.

Dr. Punja's impact reaches globally through his educational initiatives. He launched a humanitarian fellowship program supporting Ukraine in treating orbit and oculofacial trauma. Additionally, he established an endowment fund at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, to foster orbital surgery faculty development.

A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Punja brings exceptional depth of experience to this course. His surgical expertise and passion for teaching have influenced orbital surgery education both nationally and internationally, earning him numerous awards for his contributions to teaching and research.

Financial disclosure: Dr. Punja has/had an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with a commercial organization:

1) Clarion Technologies Inc. - Consultant