loader from loading.io

Season 2 - Redefining Success

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

Release Date: 10/22/2025

Season 2 - Redefining Success show art Season 2 - Redefining Success

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

About the Guests: Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett: Dr. Hartnett is the Michael F. Marmer Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of Pediatric Retina at Stanford, and an internationally renowned surgeon scientist. Her groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the field of pediatric retina diseases, establishing her as a leader in ophthalmic academia. Dr. Christina Flaxel: Dr. Flaxel serves as a Professor of Ophthalmology at OHSU and holds the Bulabuk and Charles C. Arvison Professorship in Macular Degeneration Research. An expert in retina specialization, she currently heads the Wold Family...

info_outline
The Inclusivity Advocates: Fostering Diversity in Academic Medicine show art The Inclusivity Advocates: Fostering Diversity in Academic Medicine

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...

info_outline
The Strategic Planners show art The Strategic Planners

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

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...

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

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

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...

info_outline
The Chairs: How Women Are Shaping Future Leaders in Medicine show art The Chairs: How Women Are Shaping Future Leaders in Medicine

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

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,...

info_outline
The Retina Research Balance: The Academic Leadership Journeys of Dr. Carol Shields and Dr. Jennifer Lim show art The Retina Research Balance: The Academic Leadership Journeys of Dr. Carol Shields and Dr. 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...

info_outline
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....

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

About the Guests:

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett: Dr. Hartnett is the Michael F. Marmer Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of Pediatric Retina at Stanford, and an internationally renowned surgeon scientist. Her groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the field of pediatric retina diseases, establishing her as a leader in ophthalmic academia.

Dr. Christina Flaxel: Dr. Flaxel serves as a Professor of Ophthalmology at OHSU and holds the Bulabuk and Charles C. Arvison Professorship in Macular Degeneration Research. An expert in retina specialization, she currently heads the Wold Family Macular Degeneration Center at the Casey Eye Institute, contributing extensively to research and education in ophthalmology.

Episode Summary:

Join hosts Thasarat  and Cat as they launch into Season 2 of the Women Professors of Ophthalmology podcast with an inspiring theme: redefining success. In this episode, they delve into the evolving definitions of success with two distinguished guests, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett and Dr. Christina Flaxel, both accomplished leaders in academic ophthalmology. With insightful conversations around their unique journeys into academia, listeners are offered an engaging exploration of how personal success can transform over time.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett shares her fascinating path from a family of educators to becoming an internationally recognized figure in pediatric retina research at Stanford. Dr. Christina Flaxel reflects on her cherished role as an educator and retina specialist at the Casey Eye Institute, emphasizing the profound impact of training the next generation of ophthalmologists. Together, they discuss the importance of personal growth, mentorship, and how their career success has shifted focus from achieving personal milestones to inspiring others in the field.

As the discussion unfolds, both guests candidly share pivotal moments and challenges they faced along the way, offering lessons in leadership and the value of authenticity. They uncover the hidden victories that truly matter, whether in career advancements or personal relationships, and emphasize the significance of continuous learning. Dive into this episode for an enriching discourse on redefining success as a woman in academia, with insights applicable beyond the realm of ophthalmology that highlight resilience, mentorship, and the pursuit of meaningful achievements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Success can evolve over time, with a shift from individual accomplishments to fostering growth in others.

  • Authenticity and staying true to one's values are crucial on the path to success.

  • Personal triumphs often go unnoticed but hold significant importance, providing true motivation.

  • Mentorship and nurturing future leaders are fundamental to professional fulfillment.