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Stories of Women Professors in Ophthalmology

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

Release Date: 10/15/2024

Inspiring Women in Academic Research and Retina Drs. Carol L. Shields & Jennifer Lim show art Inspiring Women in Academic Research and Retina Drs. Carol L. Shields & Jennifer Lim

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

Dr. Carol L. Shields: Dr. Shields is a leading ocular oncologist, currently serving as the Director of Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital and a professor of ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. With an impressive bibliography of over 2000 scientific reports, her work has significantly influenced the field of ocular oncology, particularly in eye cancers such as retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. She has held prestigious roles, including the presidency of the International Society of Ocular Oncology and the Macula Society. In 2020, Dr. Shields was ranked the NUMBER 1 spot on the...

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Trailblazing Women in Ophthalmology: The Leadership Journeys of Drs. Jane Edmond and Tamara Fountain show art Trailblazing Women in Ophthalmology: The Leadership Journeys of Drs. Jane Edmond and Tamara Fountain

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

About the Guests: Dr. Jane Edmond is the current president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and holds the prestigious Wong Family Distinguished University Chair and professorship in the Department of Ophthalmology at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin. She previously served as President of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) in 2019. Dr. Edmond is renowned for her work in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery and neuro-ophthalmology, as well as her leadership role in medical education and professional practice. Dr....

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Women Professors on Thriving in Academia show art Women Professors on Thriving in Academia

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

About the Guests: Dr. Lynn K. Gordon, MD, PhD Dr. Lynn K. Gordon is Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at the Stein Eye Institute. She has made significant contributions to academia through her role as the inaugural Senior Associate Dean for Equity and Diversity Inclusion at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. An accomplished clinician scientist, Dr. Gordon has held numerous leadership roles, including being a board member of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, past president of the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and past president of Women in...

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Stories of Women Professors in Ophthalmology show art Stories of Women Professors in Ophthalmology

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

About the Guests: Dr. Rukhsana Misra, MD: Dr. Misra is a distinguished professor of ophthalmology and medical education at Northwestern University. She is a co-founder of the Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) and specializes in medical retina. Dr. Misra has significantly contributed to medical education, teaching, and mentoring in her academic career. Dr. Misha Syed, MD: Dr. Syed is a professor of ophthalmology and holds the David Weeks Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She is also a co-founder of WPO and has a rich background in academic medicine,...

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About the Guests:

Dr. Rukhsana Misra, MD: Dr. Misra is a distinguished professor of ophthalmology and medical education at Northwestern University. She is a co-founder of the Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) and specializes in medical retina. Dr. Misra has significantly contributed to medical education, teaching, and mentoring in her academic career.

Dr. Misha Syed, MD: Dr. Syed is a professor of ophthalmology and holds the David Weeks Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She is also a co-founder of WPO and has a rich background in academic medicine, focusing on glaucoma. Dr. Syed is recognized for her contributions to medical student education and her dedication to fostering the growth of future physicians.

Episode Summary:

Join Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant and Dr. Cat Burkat as they delve into the unique journeys of women professors in academia, particularly focusing on ophthalmology. In this first episode of the podcast series by the Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO), we hear from the esteemed founders, Dr. Rukhsana Misra and Dr. Misha Syed, who share their inspiring paths to becoming prominent figures in academic medicine.

The episode kicks off by exploring how Dr. Misra and Dr. Syed met and conceptualized the WPO to address the challenges women face in achieving academic promotion in ophthalmology. Through engaging conversations, they reflect on their career milestones, the importance of mentorship, and the invaluable relationships built over the years. The discussion further delves into their defining moments that led them into academia and how their career trajectories were shaped by both serendipity and structured opportunities. These stories are infused with insights and experiences that highlight the dynamic nature of academic careers in ophthalmology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Power of Mentorship: Establishing diverse and meaningful mentoring relationships is crucial for career development and advancement in academia.

  • Embrace Serendipity: Sometimes opportunities arise unexpectedly, and seizing them can lead to significant career breakthroughs.

  • Vulnerability in Professional Growth: Being open about challenges and struggles with peers can lead to shared solutions and support.

  • Diversity in Mentoring Sources: Engage with a variety of mentors to gain a broad spectrum of guidance and support.

  • Dynamic Academia Careers: Academic medicine offers continuous growth and excitement, with each day presenting new opportunities and challenges.

Resources:

Listen to this enlightening episode to gain insights into the career journeys of two remarkable women in ophthalmology, and stay tuned for more compelling stories and advice from other women professors of ophthalmology.