Altruism defined ophthalmologist’s work

As a doctor, scholar, musician and humanitarian, Jorge Camara was distinguished not just by his considerable talents and intellect but also by his resolve to use his abilities to help others.

Camara died Wednesday at Straub Clinic and Hospital in Honolulu at age 63. The circumstances of his death were not disclosed.

"His work defined him," said brother Rickie Camara. "He was very caring and he loved his work. He spent his whole life devoted to excellent patient care."

The eldest of 12 children, Jorge Camara was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., and raised in Manila.

Drawing inspiration from his father, Augusto, a cardiologist, Camara pursued a career in medicine after graduating from the University of the Philippines in 1972. He was recognized as class valedictorian when he earned his medical degree four years later.

He earned a surgical internship at the University of Texas-Houston and served his residency in ophthalmology and later had a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine.

In 1982, Camara moved to Hawaii, where he eventually opened his own practice.

Considered an innovator in his field, Camara published dozens of scholarly papers and spoke at numerous conferences nationally and internationally. He is credited with having performed the first orbital surgery via telemedicine.

He was also recognized for discovering and developing a treatment for a previously unknown eyelid condition prevalent in Asian populations.

Camara shared his expertise as an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, and more broadly as a long-standing member (and past president) of the Aloha Medical Mission, through which he delivered medical care and trained local doctors in impoverished areas of the world.

An accomplished pianist, Camara found a unique way to use his musical abilities to improve patient care. He is credited with being the first surgeon to place a piano in the operating room to perform for patients (thereby lowering their blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates). He even recorded a CD titled "Live from the Operating Room." Camara also spearheaded the "Four Doctors and … " series of concerts to raise funds for Aloha Medical Mission.

Over the course of his career, Camara was recognized with scores of awards and recognitions, including Hawaii Medical Association Physician of the Year and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Outstanding Humanitarian Award. However, no recognition meant more than the Bishop Charles A. Kekumano Noblesse Oblige Award, which he received from Maryknoll School in 2003.

"‘Noblesse oblige’ means ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’" Rickie Camara said. "That meant a lot to my brother. He always felt that he had been given so much in life that he had to give back to other people."

Camara is survived by his wife Binky; father Augusto; brothers Rickie, Philip, Miguel, Leo, Joey, Mando and Martin; sisters Sylvia Singson, Crissie Santayana, Pinky Roxas and Lisa Camara.

Services will be held Monday at Star of the Sea Church. Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. with Mass and a reception to follow. Donations in Camara’s memory may be made to the Augusto Camara Scholarship Fund (William S. Richardson School of Law) or Aloha Medical Mission.