
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
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.
Podcasts – WPO Academia
Recent Events
Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) and Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) and Luncheon
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

