Trailblazing Women in Ophthalmology: The Leadership Journeys of Drs. Jane Edmond and Tamara Fountain

WPO Podcast - Journey Into Academia

About the Guests:

Dr. Jane Edmond is the current president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and holds the prestigious Wong Family Distinguished University Chair and professorship in the Department of Ophthalmology at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin. She previously served as President of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) in 2019. Dr. Edmond is renowned for her work in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery and neuro-ophthalmology, as well as her leadership role in medical education and professional practice.

Dr. Tamara Fountain is a past president of the AAO (2021) and a professor of ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center, where she is the section chair emeritus of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Fountain has also been a president of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. With a rich background in academic and clinical practice, she is notable for her contributions to medical education and mentorship.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to this insightful episode of WPO Journey into Academia, featuring two trailblazing women in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Jane Edmond and Dr. Tamara Fountain. Both guests have significantly impacted clinical practice and academia, breaking barriers and setting exemplary standards for medical education and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Edmond and Dr. Fountain share their unique academic journeys, the challenges they faced, and their motivations that kept them in academia despite the demanding roles.

Listen in with hosts Dr. Cat Burkat and Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant as they discuss key factors that led them to academia, revealing how the path often chooses you rather than the other way around. Despite the demands of academia, both guests emphasize the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and the joy of teaching. Discover Dr. Edmond's commitment to tackling workforce shortages and her plans for advancing postgraduate surgical coaching, and hear Dr. Fountain reflect on her presidency during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. These inspiring stories underscore the power of perseverance and the importance of adaptable leadership in shaping future generations of ophthalmologists.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership through Opportunity: Both Dr. Edmond and Dr. Fountain describe how their paths into academia and leadership were shaped by unexpected opportunities and mentorship rather than a preconceived plan.

• Resilience and Growth: Challenges, including imposter syndrome and professional setbacks, are part of leadership. Identifying them as growth opportunities can contribute to professional development and resilience.

• Academic Impact: The role of teaching in academia is emphasized as both a privilege and a powerful tool for personal and professional rejuvenation.

• Work-Life Balance: Striking a balance between professional demands and personal life, including parenting, shapes leadership styles and approach to academia.

• Future of Ophthalmology: Initiatives like Dr. Edmond's postgraduate surgical coaching reflect innovative approaches to continuous learning and improvement within the field, vital to both practitioners and patients.

Resources:

• Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) - Visit https://aupo.org/women-professors-ophthalmology

• Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin: Website

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): Website

• Rush University Medical Center: Website