Women Professors of Ophthalmology

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Established in 2021 by Dr. Rukhsana Mirza and Dr. Misha Syed (both AUPO members), WPO’s mission is to foster the professional growth and advancement for women ophthalmologists in academia through creation of a peer mentoring network of women Professors in our field. Through this network, WPO aims to enhance the professional development and equity of women in academic Ophthalmology.

WPO is currently working to create a network of mentors available to academic ophthalmologists for all stages of an academic career. This growing organization is intended to help women academic ophthalmologists connect and build relationships to guide and advance their own careers.

WPO looks forward to coordinating with other organizations that have overlapping objectives to further the mission of WPO by supporting those initiatives that enhance the professional development of women within academic ophthalmology. We anticipate hosting professional development talks and providing networking opportunities at upcoming meetings, including the AAO and AUPO annual meetings.

Please stay tuned for more information as this site evolves! More information coming soon!

Questions? Email: womenprofs.ophtho@gmail.com

Connect Me to the WPO Network

Upcoming Events

September 22, 2022 – Developmental Network Kick Off - open to all members

October 2, 2022 – Afternoon reception at AAO, Chicago - WPO full professors and current mentees, invitations sent

October 20, 2022 – WPO annual webinar “My Journey to Chair: The Why, The How, and the What Next” - speakers Dr. Kathryn Colby, Dr. Sophie Bakri, Dr. Keith Carter, Dr. Paul Lee - open to all

December 8, 2022 – WPO/ WIO joint webinar -  “What’s in my Toolkit: Three Professors Share the Skills that led to Career Advancement” - speakers Dr. Terri Young, Dr. Maria Aaron, Dr. Jake Waxman - open to all

January 2023 – AUPO Annual Meeting reception for those that attend AUPO

February 9, 2023 – Leadership - open to all members - led by Sandra Masur PhD, Lynn Gordon MD, PhD

April 13, 2023 – Research - open to all members

Announcements

Our mentoring program is in its second year and we are happy to announce our 2022-2023 cohort:

  • Tahira Scholle, MD - Baylor College of Medicine
  • Christine Shieh, MD - Vanderbilt Eye Institute
  • Mary Champion, MD - The University of Kansas Medical Center
  • Annie Wishna, MD - University of Kansas
  • Grace Sun, MD - Weill Cornell Med
  • Sangeeta Khanna, MD - University of Michigan
  • Mary Daly, MD - BUSM
  • Merina Thomas, MD - OHSU Casey Eye Institute
  • Amanda Henderson, MD - Wilmer/Johns Hopkins
  • Afshan Nanji, MD, MPH - OHSU Casey Eye Institute

WPO full professor members are welcomed and encouraged to join us for virtual sessions during our mentorship program. This will give members an opportunity to connect with our group and contribute to the mentorship program and ideal for those individuals who are unable to make ongoing time commitments at present. These sessions will be held:

Thursdays at 8 PM EST/ 7 PM CST/ 6 PM MST / 5 PM PST for a duration of 90 minutes (plan for breakout sessions at the end)

Please Mark your calendars! 

  • September 22, 2022 - Developmental Network Kick Off - open to all members
  • February 9, 2023 - Leadership - open to all members - led by Sandra Masur PhD, Lynn Gordon MD, PhD
  • April 13, 2023 – Research - open to all members - led by ME Hartnett, MD

Information about registration will be sent prior to each session.

Recent Events

Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) and Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) and Luncheon

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

WPO and WIO Luncheon AUPO 2022 Annual Meeting
Left to right: Misha Syed, MD; Rukhsana Mirza, MD; Susan Burden, MD and Grace Sun, MD

 

WPO and WIO Luncheon AUPO 2022 Annual Meeting
Women Professors of Ophthalmology and Women in Ophthalmology Luncheon Attendees

Webinar: My Journey to Chair: The Why, The How, and the What Next

Webinar: CV Building and Our Journey in Academia: What We Wish We Had Known Along the Way