Women Professors on Thriving in Academia

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

About the Guests:

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.

Episode Summary:

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.

Key Takeaways:

• 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.

Resources:

• 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.