Top 10 Under 40: Dr. Ilya Leyngold

December 3, 2014 | South Tampa Magazine | Categories: Editorial, People | Tags: dr. llya leyngold, usf eye institute

Dr. Ilya Leyngold

Ophthalmologist, USF Eye Institute

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Bio: Born in Moscow, Russia, Dr. Leyngold moved to Jacksonville with his family when he was 13 years old. Both of his parents were physicians in Russia, so it was natural for Dr. Leyngold to follow a similar path. After studying biochemistry at Florida State University, he attended Johns Hopkins University, where he entered the Wilmer Eye Residency. Upon graduation, he narrowed his job choices down to two: the Mayor Clinic in Jacksonville or the USF Eye Institute in Tampa. With his twin brother in Gainesville and his parents still in Jacksonville, he chose Tampa. “I wanted to be close to mom and dad, but not too close,” he said with a laugh.

Philanthropic efforts: Dr. Leyngold has volunteered his spare time to do pro bono surgery for hospice and uninsured eye trauma patients in the Bay area.

When I’m not in the operating room: I like to play racquetball at the Harbour Island Athletic Club. I’ve played for 14 years.

Motto: Character is determined when no one is looking.

Where do you take out-of-town guests to really show off Tampa: Oxford Exchange. People don’t expect to see that in Tampa.