A Shared Vision: Drs. George and Katherine Duncan

For Dr. George Duncan and his daughter, Dr. Katherine Duncan, ophthalmology is more than a profession. It is a shared calling grounded in family, mentorship, and a deep commitment to patient care.

Today, the father-daughter team works side by side at GBMC, continuing a legacy that spans decades while helping shape the future of ophthalmology through their support of the hospital’s soon-to-be renovated ophthalmology space.  

A Path to Ophthalmology  

Dr. George Duncan’s journey into ophthalmology was not linear. Initially interested in orthopedic sports medicine during medical school at the University of Maryland, his perspective shifted after a pivotal experience during a rotation.

“I realized ophthalmology offered this incredible combination of medicine, surgery, and neurology all in one specialty,” he said. “It has been an incredibly rewarding career, and I have truly loved the work.”  

Dr. Duncan attended Gilman School, went on to Cornell University for his undergraduate education, and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Maryland General Hospital and a fellowship with Columbia University. He later built a successful private practice before joining GBMC.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Duncan also played an important role in training the next generation of physicians, working closely with residents in the subspecialty of oculoplastics. His commitment to education and mentorship has extended across many years, further strengthening GBMC’s reputation as a place where clinical excellence and teaching go hand in hand.

For Dr. Katherine Duncan, the inspiration started much earlier while watching her father care for patients, both locally and abroad.  

“One of the biggest exposures I had growing up was going with my dad to Honduras on medical mission trips,” she said. “Seeing patients have their sight restored and how happy they were - that really stayed with me.”  

Although she initially explored multiple specialties, she ultimately chose ophthalmology for its impact.  

“You’re able to make such a meaningful difference in people’s lives by restoring sight,” she said.  

Dr. Katherine Duncan attended Roland Park Country School, graduated from Washington and Lee University, and earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland. She completed her internship at GBMC, her ophthalmology residency at the University of Maryland, and a fellowship in oculoplastics at the University of Pittsburgh.  

A Unique Partnership  

Working together has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their careers.  

“It’s probably the main reason I’m still part-time, that I get to spend time with Katie and talk to her,” said Dr. George Duncan.  

For Dr. Katherine Duncan, the partnership offers something rare in medicine.  

“It’s like having a built-in colleague who’s always willing to help you in every way,” she said. “He’s always been someone I can go to with difficult cases, and that kind of support is invaluable.”  

They both describe their experience as overwhelmingly positive, built on mutual respect, mentorship, and a shared sense of purpose.  

A Commitment to GBMC  

Both physicians have longstanding ties to GBMC, which makes their support of the planned ophthalmology renovation especially meaningful.

Dr. George Duncan has been connected to GBMC since the beginning of his career and later merged his private practice with the institution - an evolution he describes as highly meaningful and successful.  

“GBMC has done a great deal for us, and I wanted to give back and support the program,” he said.  

For Dr. Katherine Duncan, GBMC is both a professional and personal home.  

“I trained here, I’ve worked here, and I’ve even had my children here,” she said. “It’s been such an important part of my life, and I’m excited to continue my career here.”  

She also emphasizes what makes GBMC unique.  

“It feels like a home,” she said. “The people I work with are not just colleagues, they’re friends. It’s a place that truly values patient care and community.”  

The Impact of Their Work  

Both physicians point to patient relationships as the most meaningful part of their work.  

Dr. George Duncan recalls a patient who had lost nearly all vision due to a severe cataract.  

“After surgery, he told me, ‘I just look at the sunsets now,’” he said. “That’s what I love about ophthalmology. It can truly change someone’s life.”  

For Dr. Katherine Duncan, the impact is just as profound.  

“Being able to restore someone’s sight or help them feel like themselves again—it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.  

Together, Drs. George and Katherine Duncan represent both the legacy and the future of ophthalmology at GBMC. Through their care, mentorship, and generosity, they are helping ensure that patients for generations to come will experience the same life-changing outcomes that have defined their careers.  

For the Duncans, the work is deeply personal, and the impact is lasting.  

Make an Impact  

The Duncans’ story is a powerful reminder of how philanthropy can shape the future of patient care at GBMC. Their generosity is helping ensure that the ophthalmology program continues to provide exceptional, life-changing care for years to come.  

If you are inspired to support GBMC and invest in the future of healthcare in our community, we invite you to learn more about giving opportunities.  

To start the conversation, please contact:  
Jessica Schlee  
Director of Leadership Giving at 443-849-3234 or at  
 jschlee@gbmc.org