Stories of Women Professors in Ophthalmology
WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia
Release Date: 10/12/2024
WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia
About the Guest(s): Dr. Terri L. Young is the Peter Duer Endowed Professor and Chairwoman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is a renowned pediatric ophthalmologist and clinician scientist, having dedicated over 25 years to groundbreaking research in ophthalmic genetics and genomics, specifically focusing on refractive error, ocular development, and childhood glaucoma. Dr. Young is a leader in numerous national and international organizations and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Arville and the Association for...
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We invite you to listen to this enlightening episode to further explore the inspiring journeys of Dr. Thorne and Dr. Ramanathan. Stay tuned for more captivating stories from phenomenal women who have paved the pathway of ophthalmology on WPO Journey into Academia. About the Guest(s): Dr. Jennifer Thorne Dr. Jennifer Thorne is a distinguished ophthalmologist and academic leader. She serves as the Cross Family Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, where she leads the Division of Ocular Immunology and Uveitis. Dr. Thorne is at the forefront of ocular inflammatory disease...
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About the Guest(s): Dr. Susan Day: Dr. Susan Day is a trailblazing ophthalmologist celebrated for her contributions to medical education and leadership in ophthalmology. She was the first female president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has served as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at California Pacific Medical Center. Dr. Day has worked extensively with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, influencing international standards in medical education. Post-retirement in 2021, she has returned to her passion for music alongside her illustrious medical...
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About the Guest(s): Dr. Kathryn Colby: Dr. Kathryn Colby is the Elizabeth J. Cohen Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. An esteemed academic cornea specialist, Dr. Colby is renowned internationally for her groundbreaking research on Fuchs corneal dystrophy, a leading cause of corneal transplantation in the United States. She has been a pioneer in non-transplant treatments for this condition, greatly expanding patient options beyond surgery. Dr. Colby is also a dedicated educator and mentor, having guided numerous students, residents,...
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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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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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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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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...
info_outlineAbout 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:
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The Power of Mentorship: Establishing diverse and meaningful mentoring relationships is crucial for career development and advancement in academia.
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Embrace Serendipity: Sometimes opportunities arise unexpectedly, and seizing them can lead to significant career breakthroughs.
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Vulnerability in Professional Growth: Being open about challenges and struggles with peers can lead to shared solutions and support.
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Diversity in Mentoring Sources: Engage with a variety of mentors to gain a broad spectrum of guidance and support.
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Dynamic Academia Careers: Academic medicine offers continuous growth and excitement, with each day presenting new opportunities and challenges.
Resources:
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Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) - Visit https://aupo.org/women-professors-ophthalmology
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.