The Strategic Planners

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 research, serving as the Medical Officer for the MUST Research Group and Editor in Chief of Ocular Immunology and Inflammation. She also holds a joint appointment as a Professor of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and is the Chair of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) Fellowship Compliance Committee board of managers.

Dr. Saras Ramanathan
Dr. Saras Ramanathan is a leading figure in medical education within ophthalmology. She holds the Stephen P. Shearing Professorship of Ophthalmology and is the Vice Chair for Medical Education and Residency Program Director at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Ramanathan is well-known for her innovative approaches to teaching cataract surgery and surgical simulation. Her contributions have significantly influenced ophthalmological training across the United States. She also serves as the Medical Director of Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Senior Associate Editor of the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another insightful episode of WPO Journey into Academia, where Dr. Cat Burkat and Dr. Thasarat Vagaranant explore the narratives of pioneering women in academic ophthalmology. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Thorne and Dr. Saras Ramanathan share their journey in academic medicine, highlighting their impactful work in ocular immunology and medical education. These influential leaders delve into how mentorship and collaboration have shaped their careers, offering listeners a glimpse into their professional world.

In this episode, the conversation flows into the importance of empathy in education, balancing academic and personal life, and the significance of long-term career planning by writing goals down to maintain focus. Dr. Thorne and Dr. Ramanathan reflect on their own paths, emphasizing the value of collaboration with diverse experts and mentorship that extends beyond conventional boundaries. From pursuing research in ocular inflammatory diseases to revolutionizing cataract surgery training methods, these experts provide insights that are both profound and practical for those in the field of ophthalmology.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Multifaceted Roles: Dr. Thorne emphasizes the rewarding balance in academia involving patient care, teaching, and research.

• Empathy in Education: Both guests underscore the necessity of empathy and personalized teaching methods for effective mentorship and education.

• Collaboration and Mentorship: Leveraging diverse skill sets through collaboration you can broaden your professional growth and opportunities.

• Strategic Career Planning: Establishing five-year plans aligned with personal values and goals can significantly propel professional development.

• Adaptability and Evolution: Dr. Ramanathan showcases the dynamic nature of academic careers and the evolving roles that mentors and educators play.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I liked the idea of being able to take care of patients and teach or mentor as well as doing some research." - Dr. Jennifer Thorne

2. "I still come to work every day and love the mission of teaching people how to do something they desperately want to do." - Dr. Saras Ramanathan

3. "Empathy is way more effective in teaching than impatience." - Dr. Jennifer Thorne

4. "You must write down your goals; it keeps you on the trajectory that you want to be on." - Dr. Saras Ramanathan

5. "Amazingly, the people I taught now are collaborators; it's a great way to stay in touch and help each other." - Dr. Saras Ramanathan

Resources:

• Wilmer Eye Institute: Wilmer Eye Institute

• University of California, San Francisco: UCSF Ophthalmology

• Journal of Academic Ophthalmology: Journal Site