Pe Than Maung, M.B.B.S., D.O.M.S., M.D., F.A.C.S

Pe Than Maung, M.B.B.S., D.O.M.S., M.D., F.A.C.S 

1931 - 2024

Dr. Pe Than Maung, of Rangoon, Burma, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Plantation, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the evening of Monday, October 7, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, son-in-law, cousins, nephews, and dear friends.

Dr. Maung was born in Rangoon, Burma, now known as Yangon, Myanmar, to U Pe Maung and Daw Than May. He grew up in Rangoon and attended the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Rangoon, where he earned his M.B.B.S. After medical school, he furthered his training overseas. He became Burma’s first ophthalmologist to study abroad, earning a scholarship through the American Aid Program. In Cincinnati, Ohio, he mastered the latest medical techniques, determined to bring his newfound knowledge and skills back to his homeland (along with a White Plymouth). At his father's urging, Dr. Maung continued his studies in the United Kingdom, at the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital where he earned his D.O.M.S. as an E.E.N.T.—a doctor specializing in the eye, the ear, the nose, and the throat. 

In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Maung was a nationally recognized athlete, excelling in tennis. He competed at the highest levels in both singles and doubles tournaments and was a Davis Cup Champion. His success as a doctor and an athlete, along with his dashing good looks and stature, earned him the widespread reputation of being one of Burma’s most eligible bachelors. While he was often selected by the government to accompany female foreign dignitaries and royalty, it was the daughter of the Sawbwa (ruler) from the northern Shan state, Sao Mya Nwe, who captured his heart. She would remain his devoted wife of 59 years.

During the years he spent practicing medicine in Burma, he and Sao Mya Nwe (Ann) started a family, welcoming a son, Myat, and a daughter, Myanandi. However, as political unrest grew, the young family decided to leave the country. 

Dr. Maung’s career took him and his family across the globe. Dr. Maung accepted a position with the World Health Organization, and with his family moved to Syria, where he served as a Senior Advisor to the Syrian government. He spearheaded “Project Euphrates,” a program aimed at controlling and curing blinding eye diseases in the region. 

After completing his posting in Syria, Dr. Maung was offered a position in Jamaica, where he and his family made their home for many years. In Montego Bay, he developed and led the Eye Surgery Department at Cornwall Regional Hospital. As the only eye specialist on the entire western side of the island, he improved the quality of life for many, helping thousands regain their vision under his care.

Dr. Maung opened his clinic in Montego Bay becoming a solo practitioner and continuing to serve countless patients. He inspired many other Burmese doctors to follow in his footsteps, helping them emigrate to the sunny island to enrich their own lives and those of the Jamaican people while escaping the authoritarian regime in Burma—now Myanmar. Dr. Maung personally sponsored many of these families, offering guidance and support. Today, there remains a large, thriving medical community in Jamaica made up of Burmese doctors of all specialties, thanks to his pioneering influence.

Later in 1984, he also established a practice in Miami, Florida, where he became board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Maung’s love for his homeland never wavered. His pride in his Burmese heritage and his conviction in the beauty and richness of the culture remained steadfast. His patriotism led to a deep, lifelong frustration with the dictatorship that he believed had ruined his country. Dr. Maung became actively involved in the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, which eventually led to Aung San Suu Kyi's rise to power. As president of the Burmese Democratic Association of Florida, he spoke at committee hearings, attended rallies, and organized fundraisers in support of a free and fair Myanmar—a dream shared by many. Due to his activism, he was blacklisted and never permitted to return to his motherland.

Dr. Maung was a devoted husband, loving father, glamorous uncle, and open-hearted friend to many. He was a true adventurer– an avid sportsman, hunter, scuba diver, spear fisherman, scratch golfer, and of course, legendary tennis player known (and feared) across the world, from the clay courts of colonial Burma to the manicured country clubs of Montego Bay and Miami. Those who knew him best will remember his great toothy grin and booming laugh, often with a bottle of Guinness in his hand, lounging in the sun in his signature white V-neck T-shirt and longyi, surrounded by admiring friends. 

Dr. Maung is survived by his wife, Sao Mya Nwe, his son, Myat Than Maung, his daughter, Dr. Myanandi Than, his son-in-law, Dr. Nathaniel Haddock, his grandchildren Kaleah and Tezah, first cousin Grace Hann (and husband Noel Hann), his nephews, John Doliner and Samuel Doliner, his nephew Dr. Than Zaw Tin, and his niece, Khaymar Than Tin.

Dr. Pe Than Maung's life was one of dedication, service, and love for his family and country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In his honor and memory if you would like to contribute  to his favorite charity, please click on this following link: Go Fund Me