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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

• Wilmer Eye Institute: Wilmer Eye Institute

• University of California, San Francisco: UCSF Ophthalmology

• Journal of Academic Ophthalmology: Journal Site

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.