Durga S. Borkar, MD, MMCi’21, has been named a recipient of a 2026 Emerging Leader Award by the Duke Medical Alumni Association in recognition of her exceptional impact at the intersection of vitreoretinal surgery, clinical data science, and health‑technology innovation.
An associate professor of ophthalmology and director of clinical data science in the Duke Department of Ophthalmology, she joined the Duke Eye Center faculty in 2019, establishing a busy surgical practice while simultaneously completing a Master of Management in Clinical Informatics degree. A board‑certified adult vitreoretinal surgeon, Borkar is renowned for combining surgical excellence with advanced informatics expertise
Borkar’s academic work focuses on using large‑scale data — from insurance claims, electronic health records, and real‑world clinical networks — to answer high‑impact questions in vitreoretinal disease. Her research has been supported by the National Eye Institute and the National Institute of Healthcare Management, and she has co‑authored nearly 100 peer‑reviewed publications and several book chapters. Nationally, she serves as a key advisor to major pharmaceutical and health‑technology organizations on real‑world evidence generation.
A highly sought‑after surgeon, Borkar manages complex cases such as trauma, reoperations, and advanced diabetic retinal detachments, drawing referrals from across the region. She plays a central role in surgical education, teaching fellows in the operating room and co‑chairing the annual Duke Fellows Advanced Vitreous Surgery Course. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, she launched Open Virtual Surgical Rounds for U.S. vitreoretinal fellows, a program that became a national model.
Borkar is deeply committed to mentorship and service at Duke. She participates in the Virtual Ophthalmology Elective, the Retina Society’s RESOURCE program, and serves on the Residency Selection and Compensation Committees. She completed the Duke Clinical Leadership Program and represents her department on the Duke Health Integrated Practice Advisory Council.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the American Society of Retina Specialists Senior Honor Award (2025), the Real World Ophthalmology Inspiring Academic Leader Award (2025), and the Women in Ophthalmology Emerging Leader Award (2022). Dr. Borkar’s career reflects exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing both patient care and the future of ophthalmology.