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I am very excited to serve as President of Women in Ophthalmology (WIO). The mission of WIO is to enhance and improve the professional environment for women ophthalmologists. WIO encourages diversity, impartiality, economic parity and strives to cultivate new opportunities for leadership, education and public service in the field of ophthalmology for ourselves and future generations. This organization unites eye MDs, researchers and other eye care professionals in their professional achievements and helps promote leadership, scholarship, education and service. In addition we seek to tackle issues of equality in the work place and address health disparities, changes in healthcare delivery and paths towards a balance between work and life. WIO is a retreat from the hurdles of our daily routines. It is full of individuals building bridges, doors and even tunnels to help each other navigate the obstacles we all face. In 2011 I am looking forward to bringing this important support structure to individuals in other countries. We have learned through the outreach efforts of our members in Singapore, Haiti, Malaysia and many other countries, that female ophthalmologists are beginning to meet and are looking to the WIO Facebook page (now exceeding 600 members) to connect with their counterparts across the globe. WIO has created an International Membership Taskforce that will propose a structure for international membership that avoids barriers and creates bridges. At several future international meetings there will be dual support for specific sessions and networking opportunities to enhance the experience for women in ophthalmology worldwide. One other important goal for 2011 focuses on promoting our members to the greater ophthalmic community. WIO is in the process of conceptualizing and building a speakers bureau. The bureau is a benefit exclusive to WIO members. Members will be able to list their areas of expertise, photos and availability for lecturing. WIO will actively promote use of the bureau by meetings and societies in developing their speaker lists, by industry for their consideration when selecting scientific advisory boards and speakers, and by academia. These efforts will enhance the diversity of speakers and promote our members, allowing recognition of talented individuals who may not be widely known at this point in their careers. WIO continues to promote women in the field of ophthalmology by increasing our presence at national and international meetings. WIO currently hosts a lunch symposium with a female speaker at the American Glaucoma Society Meeting and is looking forward to partnering with the women's group at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Meeting in 2012. WIO also hosts an annual symposium featuring female speakers at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting and we are looking forward to participating in the upcoming European Society of Ophthalmology Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland in June. In addition to meetings, luncheons and symposia, WIO also provides awards and opportunities for recognition at a national and international level. Through WIO, members can submit applications for AAO Breakfast with the Expert, Outstanding Humanitarian Service Awards, Advocacy Ambassador representation at the Mid-Year Forum and participation in the AAO Leadership Development Program. WIO offers the Suzanne Veronneau-Troutman Award, WIO Honorary Lecture Award and the Bernice Brown Memorial Lecture Award. With all of these initiatives and activities, it is hard to believe that we have not yet come to the Summer Symposium. The Summer Symposium has become the centerpoint of the year's activities for its unique blend of medical education and leadership training. It increases speaker opportunities for women, provides a comfortable learning environment for the latest scientific breakthroughs and fosters new interpersonal relationships. This meeting is distinct from other meetings in the emphasis on comraderie and networking. We realize that strong networks are key in creating success and promoting advancement. Leadership programming includes training on negotiation, communication skills, effective scheduling in an ophthalmology practice, career resilience and empowerment and risk management. If you aren't a member, I encourage you to join us. If you are a member, I encourage you to become actively involved in the organization. WIO is continuously looking for new ways to involve our members in activities that will further their careers. We have indeed come a long way. WIO members have a plethora of opportunities today that for our founders was just a dream. The WIO Board and I will continue to build on their breakthroughs and achievement for women in ophthalmology to build a brighter and better future for us and generations to come. Kind regards, |
President's Message - 2011
Dear Friends and Colleagues,