The Firsts: Female Icons in Ophthalmology Dr. Susan Day & Dr. Joan Miller

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 career.

Dr. Joan Miller: Dr. Joan Miller is renowned for her groundbreaking work in ophthalmology, particularly in retinal diseases. She was the first woman to be appointed Chair of Ophthalmology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as the first female professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Miller’s research includes pioneering photodynamic therapy (PDT) and the identification of VEGF’s role in retinal diseases, leading to anti-VEGF therapies. She has published over 400 research investigations and continues to impact the future of ophthalmology.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of WPO Journey into Academia, hosts Dr. Cat Burkat and Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant interview two inspiring leaders in ophthalmology, Dr. Susan Day and Dr. Joan Miller. These pioneering women have paved the way for future generations through their exceptional careers in medical education and research, breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for women in the field. They reflect on their unique journeys, discussing the importance of mentors, overcoming challenges, and achieving a balance between their professional and personal lives.

The conversation covers how both guests found their paths to academia without prior family ties in medicine, highlighting the influence of serendipity and supportive mentors. Dr. Susan Day elaborates on her tenure as the first female president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, while Dr. Joan Miller discusses the challenges and learnings she encountered as Chair of Ophthalmology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. They emphasize the evolving nature of academic expectations and the critical role of humor and authenticity in leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of mentorship, from both men and women, in shaping successful careers in academia and ophthalmology.

• Overcoming hierarchical structures and gender-based challenges through perseverance and strategic use of humor.

• Balancing clinical practice, research, and administration helps to maintain flexibility and encourages career sustainability.

• The necessity of embracing change and new interests to continually grow and develop professionally and personally.

• Staying connected with colleagues and family, alongside personal pastimes like music or reading, provides essential stress relief and enrichment.

Notable Quotes:

1. “You have to lead in a way that’s authentic to you.” — Dr. Joan Miller

2. “It’s wonderful to change. It’s just wonderful to change.” — Dr. Susan Day

3. “There’s so many choices and decisions you’re making all the time. Life is about living it as you’re encountering it.” — Dr. Susan Day

4. “We wouldn’t know each other if it weren’t for these organizations that we attend.” — Dr. Susan Day

5. “Never would have envisioned any of what has happened to me. Very lucky and happy to have done what I’ve done.” — Dr. Joan Miller

Listen to the full episode to discover more about the journeys of these remarkable women professors in ophthalmology. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights from leading women in academia on the WPO Journey into Academia podcast series.