MultiKeratome

• Home
• for surgeons
• development
• the doctors
• the inventor
• manufacturers
• legal

"Dr. Tom," as many call him, grew up in various places because his father was a career Sergeant Major (SGM) in the Field Artlllery, who served with distinction and where moving was not uncommon.  To work for the family during the depression, SGM Paul E. Schossau quit high school and in 1939, enlisted in the military where he earned his GED.  Like other families with relatives in Germany, SGM Schossau served during World War II for its entirety, from the invasion of North Africa to Sicily to Normandy, and later, two tours during the Korean Conflict and two tours to Vietnam.  Emphasis in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities instilled by both father and mother, Reiko Hara from Nara, Japan, served as the foundation for learning, discipline and motivation to excel - "Take the opportunities to learn and to improve."

"Dr. Tom" maintains a variety of interests as reflected by his achievements.  His early involvement in math, science, engineering and community affairs began with earning a scholarship to the Frontiers of Science Institute at the University of Northern Colorado and selection to Colorado Boys' State as a junior, with recognition as the Outstanding Science Student at Widefield High School upon graduation as Valedictorian in 1975. 

1975, Graduation, Widefield High School Valedictorian, NHS President, Ostrego Memorial Science Award.

While a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Schossau did not declare a second major in (Civil) Engineering, but opted to enroll in additional courses through the enrichment program, having already validated many classes in Calculus, Chemistry and Spanish (but where validation in Computer Science was not offered), and to take additional elective summer classes and programs.  Although leadership positions are part of the program for military service academies, he held additional other positions such as Honor & Ethics Representative and VP of the Cadet Aviation Club, and took advantage of the opportunities in aviation to earn a private pilot license in gliders and single-engine, in scuba diving, in free fall parachuting, and in the US Army Airborne and Recondo Schools.  He earned the Superintendent's List (Dean and Commandant's Lists) all eight semesters, and graduated in 1979 as a Distinguished Military Graduate (Magna Cum Laude) with a BS in Chemistry (turning down a double major in Civil Engineering to take other electives).

Although given special considerations for pilot training, the uncorrected visual acuity was not waiverable, and Dr. Schossau accepted a commission as a second lieutenant in the (US Army) Air Defense Artillery (ADA) continuing his father's footsteps in the Artillery branch.  Dr. Schossau consistently served in the combat arms or "troop" units, in South Korea along the DMZ, with the 82d Airborne Division and with the 7th Light Infantry Division, and consistently

1985, Captain, US Army 3d Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 82d Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC. &ldquoAirborne!&rsquo &lsquoRangers Lead the Way!&rdquo

ranked at the top of his classes during military/officer training/schooling (usually, but not always the first).  Among his various awards, a noteworthy commendation medal was awarded for his foresight as the Battalion Logistics Officer, as he ensured complete accountability of all Stinger missiles during the 82nd Airborne Division's deployment to Grenada (where later, concerns developed about possible misuse by terrorists).  He also served as the Battery Commander during the deployment to Honduras, in high-level staff positions, and in a program office developing future missile systems at Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville), AL.  To pursue medical school and to keep options, Major Tom Schossau resigned his commission as one of the most decorated Majors at that time, having earned the Meritorious Service Medal (w/Oak Leaf Cluster), Commendation Medal (w/Oak Leaf Cluster), Achievement Medal (w/Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Master Parachutist, Ranger Tab (3d row above left side of class sign), and the Saint Barbara's Award for distinctive service/contribution in the Air Defense Artillery.  Of

1979, Graduation, United States Air Force Academy BS Chemistry (& Engineering), Distinguished Military Graduate (Magna Cum Laude).

retrospective interest is the Pentagon's study in the late 1980s to transfer the Patriot missile system to the Air Force for improved "command and control" as all other countries have these high altitude air defense missile systems organized in the Air Force, where cost and disruptive fielding kept the Patriot system in the US Army, the originating service.

1990, Graduation (with Mother), Cornell University Master of Engineering, Engineering Physics.

Dr. Schossau continued his academic education with a Masters Degree in Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University in 1990 (where he was offered to continue his studies toward a Doctorate), and a Medical Doctor Degree from the University of Colorado in 1995 where he then completed his internship in Surgery.  Dr. Schossau continued his academic and leadership endeavors in medical school by earning xx/yyy (18%) honors credits and election as President of the Student Medical Society, Medical Student Component.  Despite an ophthalmology program closure, Dr. Schossau completed residency in Ophthalmology at New York Medical College (Westchester Medical Center) in 2001.  He earned recognition as Who's Who In Executives and Professionals, 2004-5, and America's Top Ophthalmologists, Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 2007, by the  Consumers' Research Council of America.

Tom enjoys the application of science and engineering in solving problems, and considers mathematics as a fundamental tool.  Although earning all A's in every math course, and the highest attainable GRE score, he considers the beginning and culmination of his formal math education as his most significant events.  While in grade school at SA Wilson School in Colorado, Tom won two, 3-cent passes for milk for a flash-card contest in class.  For Tom, the most fun, but probably the most difficult math course was in grad school because Professor Graeme Bailey was always so enthusiastic in teaching the relatively abstract material which required considerable outside referencing, reading and working problems. Advisor/Professor Cliff Pollack was equally inspiring in engineering physics.

1990, Boston Marathon, &ldquoHeartbreak Hill&rdquo, &ldquoOn the road, again&rdquo . . . five weeks after bilateral hamstring tears, clocking a great time of 2:06 .. . just to get to the starting line!

Dr. Schossau has two brothers, two sisters, two nieces and one nephew.  He is single, and enjoys a variety of activities, from participating in all types of sports, to enjoying the arts, architecture/landscaping and the outdoors.  He continues to run/lift weights but not as competitively [Marathon PR 2:51, 15K 55:51 PR (www.uticaboilermaker.com, 1990) 10K PR ].  He was previously active as a church council member, and anticipates returning to these services soon.  Dr. Schossau continues to apply his knowledge and experiences by developing new instruments and procedures in ophthalmology, and toward improving the health care system.