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 Ophthalmology Power List released each year by “The Ophthalmologist”, which highlights the most influential people in the field.

Dr. Jennifer Lim: Dr. Lim is the Director of Retina Service and Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has an esteemed career with over 350 publications and involvement in over 50 clinical studies and trials on critical vision diseases like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. She holds leadership positions in multiple organizations, including the Retina Society and Women in Ophthalmology, and is a co-founder of Women in Retina, contributing extensively to mentorship for young female professionals.

Join hosts Drs. Cat Burkat and Thasarat Vajaranant on an inspirational episode of WPO Journey into Academia as they delve into the stellar careers of two prominent women in retina, Dr. Carol L. Shields and Dr. Jennifer Lim. As renowned figures in their respective fields, both Dr. Shields and Dr. Lim have paved the way for women in academic ophthalmology and continue to contribute to the advancement of ophthalmology through groundbreaking research and leadership roles.

The episode discusses the unique journeys and defining moments that led Dr. Shields and Dr. Lim to their esteemed positions in academic medicine. Emphasizing the challenges faced and overcome, particularly in a traditionally male-dominated sphere, the conversation highlights their relentless passion, dedication, and desire to mentor the next generation. Topics such as work-life balance, overcoming the imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentorship are examined, providing a comprehensive view of their accomplishments and personal journeys. Dr. Lim's insight on women's imposter syndrome and Dr. Shields's advice to "always give a talk" at meetings resonate as powerful encouragements for budding academics.

• Dr. Carol Shields discusses her unexpected path into academia, motivated by a personal relationship and a drive to improve the field of ocular oncology.

• Dr. Jennifer Lim's early inspiration to pursue academics was driven by an ambition to engage in clinical research and address major ophthalmological diseases.

• Both guests emphasize the importance of self-belief, mentorship, collaboration, and adaptability in overcoming challenges and advancing in their careers.

• The significance of work-life balance is highlighted as both guests share their unique approaches to managing high-powered careers and family life.

• Dr. Shields and Dr. Lim showcase the rewarding experience of mentorship as a reciprocal journey that enriches both the mentor and the mentee in academia.

• Wills Eye Hospital

• Thomas Jefferson University

• University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Ophthalmology

• Women in Ophthalmology

• Retina Society

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. Tamara Fountain is a past president of the AAO (2021) and a professor of ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center, where she is the section chair emeritus of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Fountain has also been a president of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. With a rich background in academic and clinical practice, she is notable for her contributions to medical education and mentorship.

Welcome to this insightful episode of WPO Journey into Academia, featuring two trailblazing women in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Jane Edmond and Dr. Tamara Fountain. Both guests have significantly impacted clinical practice and academia, breaking barriers and setting exemplary standards for medical education and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Edmond and Dr. Fountain share their unique academic journeys, the challenges they faced, and their motivations that kept them in academia despite the demanding roles.

Listen in with hosts Dr. Cat Burkat and Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant as they discuss key factors that led them to academia, revealing how the path often chooses you rather than the other way around. Despite the demands of academia, both guests emphasize the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and the joy of teaching. Discover Dr. Edmond's commitment to tackling workforce shortages and her plans for advancing postgraduate surgical coaching, and hear Dr. Fountain reflect on her presidency during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. These inspiring stories underscore the power of perseverance and the importance of adaptable leadership in shaping future generations of ophthalmologists.

• Leadership through Opportunity: Both Dr. Edmond and Dr. Fountain describe how their paths into academia and leadership were shaped by unexpected opportunities and mentorship rather than a preconceived plan.

• Resilience and Growth: Challenges, including imposter syndrome and professional setbacks, are part of leadership. Identifying them as growth opportunities can contribute to professional development and resilience.

• Academic Impact: The role of teaching in academia is emphasized as both a privilege and a powerful tool for personal and professional rejuvenation.

• Work-Life Balance: Striking a balance between professional demands and personal life, including parenting, shapes leadership styles and approach to academia.

• Future of Ophthalmology: Initiatives like Dr. Edmond's postgraduate surgical coaching reflect innovative approaches to continuous learning and improvement within the field, vital to both practitioners and patients.

• Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) - Visit https://aupo.org/women-professors-ophthalmology

• Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin: Website

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): Website

• Rush University Medical Center: Website

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 Ophthalmology.

Dr. Sandra Kazahn Masur, PhD
Dr. Sandra Kazahn Masur is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Pharmacological Sciences. She is the founding director of the Office for Women's Careers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. With a robust career over 35 years, she has been the principal investigator for numerous NIH-funded studies focusing on cell biology, membrane transport, and corneal wound healing.

Join hosts Drs. Thasarat Vajaranant and Cat Burkat in this enlightening episode of Women's Professors in Ophthalmology, where they delve into the unique journeys of distinguished women in academia. The conversation focuses on the varied paths and challenges these women navigated while forging impressive careers in the field of ophthalmology and how their personal and professional experiences have shaped their advocacy for diversity and women’s mentorship.

Dr. Lynn Gordon discusses her career as reminiscent of an old-fashioned pinball game, emphasizing the unpredictability and the importance of recognizing opportunities. Through real-life examples, she illustrates breaking barriers and learning from challenges, underscoring the theme of adaptability and passion in pursuing a successful career in academia. Dr. Sandra Kazahn Masur shares insights on balancing life’s demands, emphasizing the need to prioritize and strategize creatively. Her analogy of juggling acts as a metaphor for managing multiple roles simultaneously. The discussion also highlights the pivotal role of mentorship and how early collaboration can significantly impact one's career trajectory.

• Embrace the unpredictability of career paths and seize opportunities as they arise, much like a pinball game.

• Challenges and barriers are inevitable; adaptability and resilience are key to navigating them successfully.

• Women possess a unique strength in balancing multiple roles, a skill akin to mastering the art of juggling.

• Mentorship and collaboration can be transformative and are crucial for career development.

• Acknowledge and navigate through both the prevailing and new challenges faced by women in academia.

• Stein Eye Institute - Dr. Lynn Gordon's affiliation

• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai - Dr. Sandra Kazahn Masur's affiliation

• 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.