WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

Vision to Venture: Turning Academic Discovery Into Real-World Eye Care Innovation

In this episode of WPO – Journey Into Academia, we welcome Dr. Lama Al-Aswad, a national leader at the intersection of ophthalmology, technology, and population health. Dr. Al-Aswad is a glaucoma specialist, professor of ophthalmology and engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer in teleophthalmology, artificial intelligence, and innovative care delivery models designed to prevent blindness and improve access to eye care. Her career bridges academic medicine, technology innovation, and entrepreneurship, bringing groundbreaking ideas from research to real-world impact. In this conversation, Dr. Al-Aswad shares how frustration with late-stage glaucoma diagnoses sparked a mission to transform how eye care is delivered. Through mobile screening programs, telemedicine initiatives, and eye care technology startups, she has worked to empower patients and improve early detection of vision-threatening diseases. The discussion explores how clinicians can turn scientific discovery into scalable solutions that improve patient outcomes worldwide. Key Takeaways * What inspired Dr. Al-Aswad to pursue academic medicine * The challenges of glaucoma detection and why patients often present too late * How teleophthalmology and AI are reshaping eye care delivery * The role of entrepreneurship in accelerating medical innovation * Building successful teams and bringing collaborators along your journey * How academic rigor and startup agility complement one another * Training the next generation through ophthalmology innovation fellowships * Why the future of medicine will require clinicians to understand AI, big data, and digital health

In Good Company: The Power of Academic Mentorship

In this episode of WPO Journey into Academia, hosts Thasarat and Cat explore the profound impact of mentorship in academic medicine, particularly in the field of neuro-ophthalmology. They are joined by Dr. Heather Moss and Dr. Kimberly Winges, who share their personal journeys, the evolution of their mentor-mentee relationship, and the importance of building trust and connection. The conversation highlights the bi-directional nature of mentorship, the lessons learned from each other, and the significance of visibility and networking in fostering meaningful professional relationships. Both guests also discuss their roles in promoting women's leadership in medicine and offer valuable advice for those seeking to cultivate mentorships in their own careers. Takeaways * Mentorship is a powerful force in academic medicine. * The mentor-mentee relationship is bi-directional. * Building trust is essential for effective mentorship. * Visibility and participation in committees enhance networking. * Sponsorship is as important as mentorship. * Academic medicine offers diverse opportunities for growth. * Personal connections can lead to professional advancements. * Women in medicine need supportive networks. * Negotiation should be based on data and logic. * Mentorship can come from various fields, not just your own.

From Vision to Impact

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 how passion, mentorship, and teamwork can transform ideas into influential programs. From empowering women in eye care to advancing global retinal clinical trials and imaging innovation, this conversation offers meaningful insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking to make an impact in academic medicine. Key Takeaways * Career paths in academia are rarely linear—growth comes from passion and persistence. * Big ideas create impact when action and leadership follow. * Representation and access are essential for meaningful progress. * Mentorship plays a critical role at every career stage. * Strong teams are the foundation of lasting success. * Fresh leadership keeps programs innovative and sustainable. * There is never a perfect time—say yes to opportunity. * Balance and boundaries are key to long-term fulfillment.

Lean in

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.

Season 2 - Redefining Success

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.