St. Louis, MO – March 21, 2025 – The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology is honored to celebrate Philip Custer, MD, FACS recipient of the 2025 Dr. Neville Grant Award for Clinical Excellence. This prestigious award recognizes an attending physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital who exemplifies superior clinical care, outstanding compassion, respect for colleagues, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of physicians. The award will be presented at the Medical Staff Association Semi-Annual Staff Meeting on April 10, 2025.
Dr. Custer’s selection for this distinguished honor is not just a testament to his exceptional dedication but also a reflection of the high standards upheld by the entire Department of Ophthalmology. The department has long been recognized for its collaborative approach to patient care, its commitment to innovation, and its role in shaping future ophthalmologists through rigorous education and mentorship.
“I was both humbled and surprised to receive this award,” said Dr. Custer. “We are all blessed to work in a wonderful department where the physicians function as a team, striving to provide outstanding patient care and medical education. I view this award as an acknowledgment of our department’s collective contributions in delivering high-quality ophthalmic care to our community and hospital.”
Dr. Custer also expressed gratitude to Dr. Todd Margolis, department chairman, and colleagues Drs. Steven Couch and Robi Maamari, for their support throughout his career. “They and others have allowed me to grow professionally, and of course, none of us can succeed without the support of our families, who must have the patience and understanding to put up with a physician,” he added.
The Dr. Neville Grant Award for Clinical Excellence commemorates the late Dr. Neville Grant, a revered physician known for his compassionate care and mentorship. Among past recipients is Dr. Gill Grand, a retina specialist whose dedication to patient care closely aligned with the mission of WashU Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
As the department celebrates Dr. Custer’s achievement, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and the advancement of ophthalmology. This award underscores the collective efforts of WashU Medicine’s faculty and staff in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of eye care.
About WashU Medicine
WashU Medicine is a global leader in academic medicine, including biomedical research, patient care and educational programs with 2,900 faculty. Its National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding portfolio is the second largest among U.S. medical schools and has grown 56% in the last seven years. Together with institutional investment, WashU Medicine commits well over $1 billion annually to basic and clinical research innovation and training. Its faculty practice is consistently within the top five in the country, with more than 1,900 faculty physicians practicing at 130 locations and who are also the medical staffs of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals of BJC HealthCare. WashU Medicine has a storied history in MD/PhD training, recently dedicated $100 million to scholarships and curriculum renewal for its medical students, and is home to top-notch training programs in every medical subspecialty as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and audiology and communications sciences.