Service, Surgery, and Sacrifice: Dr. Joseph Fong’s Impact Earns Him a Spot in MBJ’s 40 Under 40
As a Memphis native, Dr. Joseph Fong graduated from Houston High School and Christian Brothers University before beginning a life of service that has taken him around the world and back to his hometown.
Dr. Fong’s path to neuro-ophthalmology was inspired by his time as a missionary in Africa, where he served on multiple medical missions across a collective 10 months in Senegal and Uganda. Working in underserved areas, he discovered a passion for ophthalmology due to its ability to create immediate, life-changing outcomes with minimal follow-up, a perfect fit for the mission field. This experience shaped his career and fueled a commitment to providing care with compassion and precision.
Returning to Memphis from mission work in Africa, Dr. Fong now serves as one of the only full-time neuro-ophthalmologists between Little Rock and Nashville at University Clinical Health’s Hamilton Eye Institute, where he teaches neuro-ophthalmology and cataract surgery as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). He mentors residents in clinical and surgical settings, fostering a relational and approachable environment that helps future physicians thrive in their careers. His commitment to both education and patient care extends to the Memphis VA Medical Center, where he was named VA Physician of the Year in 2024.
In 2024, amidst a growing medical career, Dr. Fong commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, committing to serve his country as both a physician and a military officer. Currently a Medical Corps Captain in the Arkansas Air National Guard, he balances his military service with his full-time career as a physician in Memphis. His commitment to the Air Force reflects his passion for service and his belief in using his medical expertise to make a meaningful difference both locally and globally.
Dr. Fong’s commitment to community service extends beyond his professional responsibilities. He participates in the medical ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church, providing emergency medical services as needed. He volunteers with Mission of Mercy, a free, two-day dental clinic that delivers care to underserved and uninsured patients in Memphis. Throughout his career, Dr. Fong’s leadership is defined by his drive for service, whether through mission work, mentoring, or advancing neuro-ophthalmology in Memphis.
A passionate Grizzlies fan and basketball enthusiast, Dr. Fong enjoys playing basketball with his residents, using the opportunity to build relationships and mentor in a less formal setting. Above all else, he cherishes spending time with his wife and their five-month-old son.
Dr. Joseph Fong is not only an accomplished professional but also an inspiring individual. His impressive experiences, extensive accomplishments at a young age, and personable, relatable nature make him a standout leader who is deeply committed to serving others every day.
