Roger M. Saulson, M.D.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Cornea and External Disease
Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology
Click here to read about Dr. Saulson's Education
Dr. Saulson is a comprehensive ophthalmologist. He is one of EHNW’s specialists in cornea and external disease as well as Laser Vision Correction.
Dr. Saulson knew he wanted to go into a career that would be emotionally fulfilling and have a large public benefit. Halfway through his college major in marine biology, he realized that conducting research was not going to satisfy his need to help people. Ophthalmology has been an ideal fit for him as a doctor because he is able to bring profound relief to his patients on a regular basis, and he is able to form lasting relationships with these patients.
Dr. Saulson has a very approachable manner. He puts his patients at ease with his dry and pithy humor and loves Gary Larson’s The Far Side comics. Though his manner is understated, his experience, understanding and skills are impressive. His practice at EHNW is grounded in compassion and pragmatics. He wants to give the best patient service while being practical about what option will fit the particular patient’s preference and need.
Dr. Saulson enjoys using his medical expertise on his international medical mission trips. Since 1995, Dr. Saulson has gone seven times with NW Medical Teams to Oaxaca, Mexico. In 2004, Dr. Saulson laid the groundwork for starting a project in Peru. On that trip, he performed cataract surgery with Dr. Saunders, who has retired from EHNW. In 2006, Dr. Saulson went as the solo physician in Peru.
One particular experience highlights the incredible transformation people undergo after surgery. The patient had been blind for many years. But after her cataract surgery, she could see again. She was so happy that she began shaking the hand of everyone in the room. When she got to her husband, she shook his hand as if he was a stranger. It had been so long since she had seen his face, he was unrecognizable to her. “When people first arrive, they are leaden. They shuffle in quietly. Afterwards, it’s like you have flipped a switch on in their life.”
“These medical mission trips get to the core of why I went into medicine—to serve the needs of the neediest and restore their vision.” Prior to cataract surgery, most of the patients are functionally incapable of taking care of themselves independently because of the lack of resources for structural and communal supports in the developing countries. “We are able to restore their livelihood.” Dr. Saulson finds his trips deeply rewarding and is excited for his next trip.
Dr. Saulson has a close-knit family. He and wife, Melissa, celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2007. She is a nurse by training, and chose to stay home to raise Ashlen and Benjamin who are now adults. Despite being empty-nesters, the family still enjoys regular family camping trips. Dr. Saulson has a strong environmental orientation and is a lifetime member of the Sierra Club. He recharges by seeking peace and solitude in nature. Thus, he and Melissa spend a great deal of time in Black Butte where they take pleasure in birding and sea kayaking.
DR. SAULSON'S EDUCATION:
| BORN: | April 23, 1959 Baltimore, MD |
| BUSINESS ADDRESS: | EyeHealth Northwest 10819 S.E. Stark St., Suite 200 Portland, OR 97216 (503) 255-2291 (Phone) (503) 252-1797 (Fax) 24601 S.E. Stark St. 5050 N.E. Hoyt St., Suite 245 |
| E-MAIL: | |
| EDUCATION | |
| Undergraduate: | University of California San Diego, CA September 1977 - June 1981, Degree: B.A. |
| Medical School: | University of Texas Medical School San Antonio, TX August 1981 - June 1985, Degree: MD |
| Internship: | Mercy Hospital and Medical Center San Diego, CA July 1985 - June 1986, Transitional Internship |
| Residency: | Bascom Palmer Eye Institute University of Miami School of Medicine Miami, FL July 1986 - June 1989, Ophthalmology Residency |
| Fellowship: | W.K. Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan School of Medicine Ann Arbor, MI July 1989 - June 1990, Cornea and External Eye Disease Fellowship |
| LICENSURE: | Oregon Board of Medical Examiners, MD17918, 1992 Colorado, 1990 Michigan, 1989 California, 1986 |
| CERTIFICATION: | American Board of Ophthalmology, 1991 |
| HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: | Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, Gresham, OR Adventist Medical Center, Portland, OR |
| PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: | Private Practice, EyeHealth Northwest (formerly East Portland Eye Clinic) Portland, OR 1992 - Present Private Practice, Colorado Eye Associates |
| ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS: | Associate Clinical Instructor Oregon Health Sciences University Clinical Instructor, Dept. of Ophthalmology Lecturer, Dept. of Ophthalmology Teaching Assistant, Medical Graduate Neuroscience Laboratory Teaching Assistant, Nutrition Teaching Assistant, Vertebrate Zoology Tutor, Biology and Chemistry Office of Academic Support and Information |
| PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: | American Medical Association Oregon Medical Association American Academy of Ophthalmology Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland |
| PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: | Co-President, Medical School Class University of Texas Medical School San Antonio, TX 1981 - 1982 1982 - 1983 1984 - 1985 Chairman, Lecture Series Group, Health Experience Learning Program |
