Personal information

Complexity Science; Organizational Performance; Ophthalmology

Biography

Russell Gonnering took a non-standard path to medicine. He studied History at Boston College and the University of Vienna, thinking that understanding “starting point” was essential to knowing where one was going. Following graduation from the Medical College of Wisconsin and subsequent post-graduate training there and at the University of Wisconsin, he worked as an Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in both private practice and academic medicine. He served as the Research Advisor to the Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery at the University of Wisconsin for twenty years, and under his mentorship a rich tradition of clinical and basic science research was developed, with numerous awards for quality of research.

Over twenty years ago, a workshop with Dr. Brent James at Intermountain Healthcare led to the realization that quality improvement would play an increasing role in healthcare . Additional education and responsibilities followed, including a Blackbelt in Six Sigma, becoming a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, Co-Chair of the Quality Council of a 750 bed tertiary hospital, Technical Advisor to the National Quality Forum and moderator of healthcare presentations at the ASQ’s World Conference on Quality and Improvement.

In 2006, a herniated cervical disc and loss of fine motor skills forced a “change in perspective” from his position as Professor of Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He obtained a Master of Medical Management from the Marshall School of Business at USC and learned that Organizational Culture was the prime determinant of the performance of an institution. A chance reading of an article on Complexity Theory led Dr. Gonnering to study with David Snowden, exploring Wicked Problems and the tools needed to solve them. This was honed with further study with the Santa Fe Institute and research into Complexity and its application to healthcare outcomes and performance as a distance-based Research Professor with Arizona State University.

Dr. Gonnering is currently Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He used the tools of both Organizational Culture and Complexity in his position as quality improvement consultant at the Zablocki VA Medical Center until he retired in 2017. He has written extensively in the medical and complexity literature and been invited presenter at multiple meetings and consultant on a number of studies, including in the past year, studies on treatment of COVID-19. He sees a bright future, especially regarding prevention and treatment of “burnout”, for those organizations that understand healthcare as a Complex Adaptive System.

Activities

Employment (7)

Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee, WI, US

2022-07-01 to present | Adjunct Professor (Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee, WI, US

2006-01-01 to 2022-06-30 | Clinical Professor (Ophthalmology)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Gonnering Eye Consultants, SC: ELM GROVE, WI, US

2006-01-01 to 2017-09-01 | President
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center: Milwaukee, WI, US

2009-03-01 to 2017-08-01 | Consultant in Complexity Science (Surgery)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center: Milwaukee, WI, US

1999-07-01 to 2009-02-28 | Consultant in Ophthalmology (Surgery)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee, WI, US

2000-10-01 to 2005-12-31 | Professor (Ophthalmology)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants, SC: Milwaukee, WI, US

1981-07-01 to 2000-10-01 | President
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Education and qualifications (5)

University of Southern California: Los Angeles, CA, US

2006-03-01 to 2007-05-09 | MMM (Marshall School of Business)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

University of Wisconsin Madison: Madison, WI, US

1980-07-01 to 1981-06-30 | Fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery (Ophthalmology)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee, WI, US

1977-07-01 to 1980-06-30 | Residency in Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee, WI, US

1971-09-01 to 1975-05-11 | MD (Medicine)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Boston College: Chestnut Hill, MA, US

1967-09-01 to 1971-05-14 | AB (Arts and Sciences)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Professional activities (22)

American College of Surgeons: Chicago, Illinois, US

1984 to present | Fellow
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: St. Paul, MN, US

1982-07-01 to present | Fellow
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Academy of Ophthalmology: San Francisco, US

1981-07-01 to present | Fellow
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

National Association for Healthcare Quality: Chicago, Illinois, US

2004 to 2019 | Member
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society for Quality: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US

2004 to 2019 | Memberr
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Arizona State University: Tempe, US

2016-07-01 to 2018-07-01 | Guest researcher (School for the Science of Healthcare Delivery)
Invited position
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American College of Physician Executives: Tampa, Florida, US

2005 to 2014 | Member
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Project Management Institute: Newtown Grant, Pennsylvania, US

2004 to 2012 | Member
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Academy of Ophthalmology: San Francisco, US

2010 | Wendell Hughes Lecturer
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

National Quality Forum: Washington D.C., District of Columbia, US

2006 to 2009 | Technical Advisor Eye Care Technology Panel
Invited position
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Academy of Ophthalmology: San Francisco, US

2001 (Senior Achievement Award)
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American College of Surgeons: Chicago, Illinois, US

1997 to 2001 | Council, Wisconsin Chapter
Service
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ocularists: Placitas, New Mexico, US

1987 to 2001 | Medical Advisory Board
Service
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: St. Paul, MN, US

1999 | Merril Reeh Pathology Award
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: St. Paul, MN, US

1997 to 1999 | Secretary of Education
Service
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: St. Paul, MN, US

1997 to 1999 | Secretary of Education
Service
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Sewanee: The University of the South: Madison, Wisconsin, US

1997 | George Kambara Award (Ophthalmology)
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Academy of Ophthalmology: San Francisco, US

1994 | Ruedemann Lectureer
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Academy of Ophthalmology: San Francisco, US

1988 to 1992 | Chair, Section 9 Basic and Clinical Science Study Course
Service
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Academy of Ophthalmology: San Francisco, US

1990 | Honor Award
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: St. Paul, MN, US

1982 | Marvin Quickert Award
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: St. Paul, MN, US

1982 | Research Award
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering

Works (50 of 83)

Items per page:
Page 1 of 2

Is oculofacial surgery complex … or merely complicated?

Current opinion in ophthalmology
2018-06 | Journal article
Contributors: Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Nonlinear relationship between health factors and health outcomes

ACM International Conference Proceeding Series
2017 | Conference paper
EID:

2-s2.0-85049383618

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.; Hadzikadic, M.; Riley, W.J.; Love, K.; Whitmeyer, J.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

The paradoxical “Hispanic paradox” the dark side of acculturation

Emergence: Complexity and Organization
2017 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-85045682694

Contributors: Gonnering, R.; Riley, W.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

“Epimemetic” landscape relationship of organizational culture, performance, and compliance versus engagement

Understanding Complex Systems
2017 | Book
EID:

2-s2.0-85019462547

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.; Logan, D.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Ten steps to making external levator ptosis surgery more predictable

Pearls and Pitfalls in Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery, Second Edition
2015 | Book
EID:

2-s2.0-84945157237

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

The opportunity of variability

JAMA Ophthalmology
2015 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84964957435

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Complexity of structure in electronic medical record systems

Complexity and the Human Experience: Modeling Complexity in the Humanities and Social Sciences
2014 | Book
EID:

2-s2.0-84974555562

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.; Ogawa, G.S.H.; Bursell, S.-E.; Horton, M.B.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Fostering innovation

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
2014 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84926061283

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

INTELLECTUAL BOX CANYONS

Physician leadership journal
2014 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84940555941

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

INTELLECTUAL BOX CANYONS.

Physician leadership journal
2014-11 | Journal article
Contributors: Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Health care can't afford to wait to innovate.

Physician executive
2012 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84883036178

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Health care can't afford to wait to innovate.

Physician executive
2012-09 | Journal article
Contributors: Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Make and sell vs. sense and respond.

Physician executive
2011 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-80054790410

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

The First step: Understand the link between starting point and process for quality improvement success

Quality Progress
2011 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-79959957901

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

The seductive allure of "Best Practices": Improved outcome is a delicate dance between structure and process

Emergence: Complexity and Organization
2011 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84855700095

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Make and sell vs. sense and respond.

Physician executive
2011-09 | Journal article
Contributors: Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Complexity theory and the "puzzling" competencies: Systems-based practice and practice-based learning explored

Journal of Surgical Education
2010 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-77956638854

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Future demands complex leadership.

Physician executive
2010 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-77952747887

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Future demands complex leadership.

Physician executive
2010-03 | Journal article
Contributors: Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Development of criteria for evaluating clinical response in thyroid eye disease using a modified Delphi technique.

Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
2009-09 | Journal article
Contributors: Douglas RS; Tsirbas A; Gordon M; Lee D; Khadavi N; Garneau HC; Goldberg RA; Cahill K; Dolman PJ; Elner V et al.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Accuracy of surrogate decision making in elective surgery

Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
2007 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-36349034472

Contributors: Mantravadi, A.V.; Sheth, B.P.; Gonnering, R.S.; Covert, D.J.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Trephination and silicone stent intubation for the treatment of canalicular obstruction: Effect of the level of obstruction

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
2006 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-33747086269

Contributors: Khoubian, J.F.; Kikkawa, D.O.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Cutaneous benign mixed tumor (chondroid syringoma) of the eyelid: clinical presentation and management

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
2004 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-3843111444

Contributors: Mandeville, J.T.H.; Roh, J.H.; Woog, J.J.; Gonnering, R.S.; Levin, P.S.; Mazzoli, R.A.; Ainbinder, D.J.; Older, J.J.; Moulin, A.P.; Kiel, R. et al.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Growth factor receptor expression in orbital lymphangioma: Possible therapeutic implications

Orbit
2004 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-10844245744

Contributors: Esmaeli, B.; Prieto, V.G.; Gonnering, R.; Hawes, M.J.; Diba, R.; Saadati, H.G.; Shepler, T.R.; Karcioglu, Z.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Identification of human orbital lymphatics

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1999 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0033161143

Contributors: Gausas, R.E.; Gonnering, R.S.; Lemke, B.N.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Sherman, D.D.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Lacrimal bypass surgery in patients with sarcoidosis

American Journal of Ophthalmology
1999 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0033119610

Contributors: Chapman, K.L.; Bartley, G.B.; Garrity, J.A.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Periocular deep cutaneous basal cell carcinoma

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1999 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0033283253

Contributors: Garcia, G.H.; Neuburg, M.; Troy, J.L.; Harris, G.J.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Periocular deep cutaneous basal cell carcinoma.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
1999-11 | Journal article
Contributors: Garcia GH; Neuburg M; Troy JL; Harris GJ; Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Identification of human orbital lymphatics.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
1999-07 | Journal article
Contributors: Gausas RE; Gonnering RS; Lemke BN; Dortzbach RK; Sherman DD
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Characterization of human orbital fat and connective tissue

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1998 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0031789987

Contributors: Sires, B.S.; Lemke, B.N.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Characterization of human orbital fat and connective tissue.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
1998-11 | Journal article
PMID: 9842560
Contributors: Sires BS; Lemke BN; Dortzbach RK; Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Sarcoidosis and the nasolacrimal drainage system

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
1996 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-33750193418

Contributors: Chapman, K.L.; Bartley, G.B.; Garrrity, J.A.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Identification of orbital lymphatics: Enzyme histochemical light microscopic and electronmicroscopic studies

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1993 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0027282353

Contributors: Sherman, D.D.; Gonnering, R.S.; Wallow, I.H.L.; Lemke, B.N.; Doos, W.G.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Lyon, D.B.; Bindley, C.D.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Pharmacology of botulinum toxin

International Ophthalmology Clinics
1993 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0027377824

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Unilateral ptosis and eye dominance

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1993 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0027368229

Contributors: Lyon, D.B.; Gonnering, R.S.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Lemke, B.N.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Unilateral ptosis and eye dominance.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
1993-12 | Journal article
PMID: 8305369
Contributors: Lyon DB; Gonnering RS; Dortzbach RK; Lemke BN
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Identification of orbital lymphatics: enzyme histochemical light microscopic and electron microscopic studies.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
1993-01 | Journal article
PMID: 8217957
Contributors: Sherman DD; Gonnering RS; Wallow IH; Lemke BN; Doos WG; Dortzbach RK; Lyon DB; Bindley CD
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Pharmacology of botulinum toxin.

International ophthalmology clinics
1993-01 | Journal article
PMID: 8258495
Contributors: Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Canalicular stenosis following probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Ophthalmic Surgery
1991 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025762884

Contributors: Lyon, D.B.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Lemke, B.N.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

The Journal of Pediatrics
1991 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025817615

Contributors: Ogawa, G.S.H.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Endoscopic laser-assisted lacrimal surgery

American Journal of Ophthalmology
1991 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0026031774

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.; Lyon, D.B.; Fisher, J.C.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Problems associated with conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

American Journal of Ophthalmology
1991 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0026000993

Contributors: Sekhar, G.C.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Gonnering, R.S.; Lemke, B.N.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Problems associated with conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.

American journal of ophthalmology
1991-11 | Journal article
PMID: 1951585
Contributors: Sekhar GC; Dortzbach RK; Gonnering RS; Lemke BN
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Canalicular stenosis following probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Ophthalmic surgery
1991-04 | Journal article
PMID: 2057187
Contributors: Lyon DB; Dortzbach RK; Lemke BN; Gonnering RS
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Endoscopic laser-assisted lacrimal surgery.

American journal of ophthalmology
1991-02 | Journal article
PMID: 1899536
Contributors: Gonnering RS; Lyon DB; Fisher JC
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Europe PubMed Central

Delayed drug-induced periorbital angioedema

American Journal of Ophthalmology
1990 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025011261

Contributors: Gonnering, R.S.; Hirsch, S.R.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Early repair of complex orbital fractures

Retina
1990 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025118543

Contributors: Denny, A.D.; Gonnering, R.S.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

Endonasal Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy: A New Approach to Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Archives of Ophthalmology
1990 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025148199

Contributors: Massaro, B.M.; Gonnering, R.S.; Harris, G.J.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

The pathophysiology of the anophthalmic socket part i. Analysis of orbital blood flow

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1990 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025315381

Contributors: Kronish, J.W.; Gonnering, R.S.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Rankin, J.H.G.; Reid, D.L.; Phernetton, T.M.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier

The pathophysiology of the anophthalmic socket part ii. Analysis of orbital fat

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1990 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-0025376042

Contributors: Kronish, J.W.; Gonnering, R.S.; Dortzbach, R.K.; Rankin, J.H.G.; Reid, D.L.; Phernetton, T.M.; Pitts, W.C.; Berry, G.J.
Source: Self-asserted source
Russell Gonnering via Scopus - Elsevier
Items per page:
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Peer review (3 reviews for 1 publication/grant)

Review activity for American journal of ophthalmology. (3)