Sight For Sore Eyes

Building the Ophthalmology Workforce of the Future

In this episode, we address the critical issue of building a diverse ophthalmology workforce in these trying times. I’m joined by faculty current and previous members of the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, who have long been deeply committed to making ophthalmology more inclusive - their insights stemming from real-world experience in a state that banned race-conscious admissions decades ago. In this episode, we’ll unpack their thoughtful JAMA Ophthalmology commentary, The Challenge in Building Diverse Ophthalmology Residency Programs, and more. As you listen, I hope you're not just informed by our conversation —I hope you’re inspired to promote these concepts in your own sphere of influence. Dr. Saras Ramantathan [https://profiles.ucsf.edu/saras.ramanathan] Dr. Neeti Parikh [https://profiles.ucsf.edu/neeti.parikh] Dr. Julius Oatts [https://www.chop.edu/doctors/oatts-julius] Dr. Jacque Duncan [https://profiles.ucsf.edu/jacque.duncan] The Challenge in Building Diverse Ophthalmology Residency Programs [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2816911]

Native Americans and Ophthalmology - Episode 3, The Future

In this, the final episode of our series on Native Americans and Ophthalmology, we turn our focus to the future, examining the critical need for greater Native American representation in medicine and eye care and the ongoing efforts being made to bridge this gap and we’ll hear from a young trainee who aspires to make a lasting impact through her journey in medicine This final installment of our series presents the hopes and aspirations for the future of Native American eye care in the US. The Association of American Indian Physicians [https://aaipvax.org/about-us/] Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and Cherokee Nation  [https://medicine.okstate.edu/cherokee/] American Indians into Medicine Program [https://www.ihs.gov/careeropps/studentopportunities/american-indians-into-medicine-program/#:~:text=The%20Indians%20Into%20Medicine%20Program,pursue%20careers%20in%20health%20care.]

Native Americans and Ophthalmology - Episode 2, Dr. Stephen Fransen

In this second installment of our series on Native Americans and Ophthalmology, we hear from an individual who has done more than just improve access to eye care—he’s shown what’s possible in the fight against diabetic vision loss for Native American communities in Oklahoma. His groundbreaking work has not only changed lives but has also set the standard for how care can be delivered to underserved populations. We’ll also discuss how he’s now working to expand eye care access to an even broader population and how his experiences with the Native American communities in Oklahoma continue to shape the work he’s doing today. This story is about commitment, impact, and what it truly means to care for people the best way we know how.  Dr. Stephen R. Fransen & Lumata Health [https://lumatahealth.com/leadership-team/] Dean McGee Eye Institute Partnerships Page [https://dmei.org/about/partners/]

Native Americans and Ophthalmology - Episode 1, Where We Are

In this first episode of our series on Native Americans and Ophthalmology, we begin by exploring an important question: What is the current state of eye health and eye care access for Native American communities in the U.S.? To answer this, we’ll hear from Native American eye care providers as they share their personal journeys into the field as well as researchers who have dedicated their careers to understanding the issues around health disparities, access, and finding solutions to improve care for Native communities. Dr. Lindsey Marvel [https://www.iapb.org/connect/members/vision-excellence-awards/vision-excellence-awards-lindsey-marvel/] Dr. Elizabeth Fairless [https://www.asrs.org/find-a-specialist/profile/236806/Elizabeth-A-Fairless] Dr. Paula Ann Newman-Casey [https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/ophthalmology/paula-anne-newman-casey-md-ms] The Indian Health Service [https://www.ihs.gov/aboutihs/overview/] The Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System [https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health-data/index.html]

Native Americans and Ophthalmology - Trailer

Welcome, this is the trailer for my series on Native Americans and Ophthalmology. This is a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, yet it holds a lot of significance in the world of eye care, medicine, and healthcare equity. I’ve been wanting to explore it for a long time, and I’m thrilled to finally bring you what I believe are substantive, thought-provoking conversations on a subject that deserves more attention than it currently receives. I’ve learned a lot in the process of creating this series, and my hope is that you will, too.  New England Journal of Medicine - Indigenous Americans — The Journal’s Historical “Indian Problem” [https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2307311]