Greg Emfield: Turning Knowledge into Service, Talent into Impact

POCATELLO, Idaho––In a quiet corner of Idaho, in the small town of Chubbuck, a young boy grew up with the rhythm of the seasons, simple values, and a deep love of learning. That boy is Dr. Greg Emfield. Now an ophthalmologist, husband to an exceptional woman, and father of four daughters, he retains from his childhood the same attachment to community, rigor, and curiosity.

Emfield never sought the spotlight. For him, success is measured by impact, not recognition. When he chose to stay close to home for his studies, it wasn't out of convenience, but out of common sense. Idaho State University (ISU) not only offered an excellent biology program, but also a way to pursue his dreams without incurring significant debt. "I needed a good education, not pomp and circumstance. ISU was the obvious answer.”

He took courses in biology and geology, and almost by chance, found himself accumulating enough credits for a second degree in foreign languages. It was during a religious mission in Central America that he learned Spanish. To him,  returning and letting it fade away would have been a loss. So he continued to cultivate this skill: "Learning a language is like tending to a garden. If you abandon it, everything fades away."

His university years were not easy. He was juggling a full-time job and studying at full speed. He speaks with great respect for the professors in the biology department, who were able to offer him flexibility and understanding. "They never held me back. On the contrary, they encouraged my choices and helped me chart my own course."

Over the semesters, he became involved in research laboratories. He began a master’s degree in biology at ISU, then became a medical candidate. In 2011, he was accepted to Western University in Oregon. But even as he embarked on this new chapter, he didn't abandon his master's degree. Evenings, weekends, summer vacations: he found time to write, present, and defend his dissertation.

Then came the years of clinical training: an internship at Riverside, three years of ophthalmology residency in Southern California. He then practiced in the Midwest for a few years. But the call home was stronger than anything. In 2021, he returned to his native Idaho and joined the Idaho Eye Center. Today, he operates in Pocatello and Twin Falls, caring for the eyes of an entire community, from children to seniors.

"What I love most about my job is being able to restore sight or at least improve it. What I do has a tangible impact on people's lives. And that's all that matters."

But Greg doesn't just practice; he also gives his time to others. He participates in events at ISU, welcomes questions from young people, and shares his experience. He hopes his daughters will one day attend the university where it all began for him.

When asked for advice for today's students, he says, "You have to know where you want to go. You never know the exact path, but you must have direction. Without a direction, you get lost in all the options."

He adds that no one succeeds alone. Throughout his journey, he has learned to ask questions, to listen to others, and to build his path based on multiple voices. "It's by talking with others, those who have been there, that we succeed in moving forward."

Today, Emfield is not just a doctor. He is a model of dedication, balance, and service. He has built his life on the simple but powerful idea that knowledge is only meaningful if shared, that talent is only valuable if used to serve others.

About our contributor: Edmond Sigui, born and raised in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, is passionate about using administrative management and public policy to create lasting, equitable change. After working on agricultural technology and field management projects in Côte d'Ivoire, he came to Idaho State University to deepen his knowledge and broaden his perspective. As a research assistant for the MissionSquare Research Institute, he explored what motivates young people to pursue public service, reinforcing his belief in youth-driven transformation. Now a husband and father of four, Edmond is dedicated to advancing effective and fair public policies that improve lives across Africa and beyond. Bridging two continents and blending administration with humanity, he continues to build a meaningful path—faithful to his roots and focused on the future.

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Idaho State University was founded in 1901 and has grown to be one of the most comprehensive institutions in the country. The University is one of only six institutions in the US offering programs from technical certificates through graduate and professional degrees. As the state's designated lead institution in health professions, Idaho State is home to more than 75 percent of Idaho’s health degree programs. Idaho State attracts students from around the world to its campus locations in Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. More information about Idaho State University is available at isu.edu/about.