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WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

Release Date: 12/30/2025

From Vision to Impact show art From Vision to Impact

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

In this episode of Journey into Academia, we explore Vision to Impact, highlighting how powerful ideas can grow into lasting change in ophthalmology education and research. The hosts are joined by two inspiring leaders: Dr. Bonnie Henderson, clinical professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and founder of the Envision Summit, and Dr. Barbara Blodi, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin and longtime director of the Wisconsin Reading Center. Together, they share their personal journeys into academia, the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership, and...

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Lean in show art Lean in

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

In this episode of the WPO Journey into Academia podcast, hosts Cat Burkat and Thasarat engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Sonal Tuli and Dr. Carla Siegfried about the importance of support systems for women in academic ophthalmology. They share their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and how they built networks of mentorship and support. The discussion highlights the evolution of these relationships over time, the loneliness that can accompany leadership roles, and the significance of offering support to others during tough moments. The episode serves as a reminder that no...

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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...

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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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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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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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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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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In this episode of the WPO Journey into Academia podcast, hosts Cat Burkat and Thasarat engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Sonal Tuli and Dr. Carla Siegfried about the importance of support systems for women in academic ophthalmology. They share their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and how they built networks of mentorship and support. The discussion highlights the evolution of these relationships over time, the loneliness that can accompany leadership roles, and the significance of offering support to others during tough moments. The episode serves as a reminder that no one walks this road alone and that leadership is as much about giving support as it is about receiving it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Both speakers emphasize the importance of mentorship in their careers.

  • Perseverance and grit are essential traits for success in academia.

  • Building a network of mentors can significantly impact one's career trajectory.

  • Support systems evolve over time and can come from peers as well as senior mentors.

  • Communication and transparency are vital in leadership roles.

  • Feeling lonely in leadership is common, but finding peer groups can help.

  • Listening and being present for colleagues in distress is crucial.

  • Women in leadership may hesitate to make tough decisions, but collaboration can ease this process.

  • Offering help without overstepping boundaries is important in supporting others.

  • Leadership involves both giving and receiving support.