In recognition of her many contributions, Moira J. Burke, M.D., has been selected as this year’s local Waves award recipient. The celebration will be headlined by award-winning actress and mental health advocate Brooke Shields, who will be honored with the Helen Gordon Davis Women’s Leadership Award.
Dr. Burke is a distinguished leader, retired physician, ophthalmologist, clinical professor, humanitarian, and philanthropist. Ann W. Madsen, Executive Director at The Centre for Women, emphasized the significance of the Waves of Change event: “We received many well-deserved nominations over the past couple of years. All were carefully considered, but the committee unanimously selected Dr. Burke. Her long-standing connection to The Centre for Women and her inspiring contributions to our community make her truly deserving of this honor.”
Dr. Burke has supported numerous organizations across Tampa Bay with her experience, kindness, and philanthropic efforts, significantly improving the lives of women and children. Before retiring in 2020, she served as the Medical Director for Premier Eye Care and previously worked as an Ophthalmologist at St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Clinic in Tarpon Springs.
A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Dr. Burke earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and her M.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her career, which spanned five decades, included earning numerous awards, with one of the most meaningful being the University of South Florida Women’s Health Coalition Remarkable Achievement Award in 2016. She also found fulfillment in teaching residents and serving as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force during Desert Storm.
Above all, Dr. Burke treasures her family, saying her greatest accomplishments are her sons and grandchildren.