Eyeworld

to challenge and when to accept, or defining parameters for equality in payment or responsibilities, credibil- ity is so much greater when the mes- sage comes from someone who has already crossed a similar bridge. Dr. Higginbotham: Female mentors are critically important; however, given that men dominate the senior ranks in academic ophthalmology, it is important that women seek men- tors who are not only men, but also others outside of our discipline. I think the mentors who have helped shape my own career are a mosaic, considering the array of perspectives that are represented. Dr. Miller: It is very important to provide role models at all levels of professional development, although role models can be found beyond one's own department. As women ophthalmologists achieve leadership positions, more women will realize that academic success is the rule rather than the exception. Dr. Chang: What are the greatest barriers to women advancing within academic ophthalmology? What helped you to personally overcome the hurdles in your path? Dr. O'Brien: I had wonderful, sup- portive, open-minded male mentors, such as Dan Albert and Claes Dohlman. I had a woman colleague, Julie Schnapf, at my own rank at UCSF, and we supported each other as our careers developed. I have a tremendously supportive family. My parents, siblings, husband, and son all helped me achieve my goals. I be- came friendly with nearly all other women advancing to senior ranks in academic ophthalmology, and we all supported each other's careers. With rare exceptions, such as Drs. Higginbotham and Day, we repre- sent the first wave of women pro- gressing to senior leadership ranks in academic ophthalmology. Dr. Day: The single greatest barrier is to break the old mold for what is valued and deemed worthy of ad- vancement. When I decided to pur- sue ophthalmology, I was point- blank refused by at least 10 pro- grams because I am a woman. This was the case for any surgical spe- cialty. Now, that barrier is gone. I "overcame" the barrier simply be- cause I refused to alter my career aspirations and went to a program that had already accepted women. Knowing what you want is the most important factor, with a close second being a refusal to aban- don dreams. Dr. Higginbotham: As noted in a previous answer, there are multiple barriers, some of which are societal and others that are inherent within our specialty, given the paucity of women in leadership positions. It is important that women develop the necessary skills to advance as lead- ers. There are programs such as the Executive Leadership Program in Ac- ademic Medicine (ELAM), sponsored by Drexel University, which provides the opportunity for women inter- ested in advancing in academia to develop the necessary skills. In my case, it was a combination of leader- ship development, exposure to ad- ministrative roles in academia, mentors, executive coaches, and the willingness to move to assume new positions that has propelled me in my career. Dr. Miller: As stated before, some barriers exist for both women and men, and academic leaders need to examine the support provided to junior faculty and trainees. Identify- ing mentors is crucial, and generally these relate to different activities. I was lucky to have several wonderful EW Ophthalmology Business 52 August 2011 2.4mm Clear Corneal Precise Incision Influence a Decrease in Wound Healing Time Achieve Tight Sealing Incisions for Chamber Balance Cost-Effective Realized Minimal Induced Astigmatism DIAMATRIX 1544 Sawdust Rd, Suite 502 The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.diamatrix.com info@diamatrix.com 800.867.8081 (US) 281.367.8081 (T) 281.292.5481 (F) Complimentary Evaluations. Repair of all Brands. Custom Sizes. Visit our website to view our other available MICS Diamond Knives. DOC: 20110714 The shortage continued from page 51 continued on page 54

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