The Inclusivity Advocates: Fostering Diversity in Academic Medicine

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Terri L. Young is the Peter Duer Endowed Professor and Chairwoman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is a renowned pediatric ophthalmologist and clinician scientist, having dedicated over 25 years to groundbreaking research in ophthalmic genetics and genomics, specifically focusing on refractive error, ocular development, and childhood glaucoma. Dr. Young is a leader in numerous national and international organizations and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Arville and the Association for University Professors of Ophthalmology. Her commitment to diversity and innovation has made a transformative impact on the field of ophthalmology.

Dr. Gloria Fleming is a Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, known for her expertise as an anterior segment surgeon and glaucoma specialist. Widely celebrated as one of the best doctors in America, Dr. Fleming is an advocate for diversity in academic medicine. She holds significant leadership roles as an Assistant Dean for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion and Vice Chair for Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Talent. Her leadership in these areas has contributed to impactful initiatives, earning her prestigious awards and accolades. She is also a Fellow of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) class of 2025.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of WPO Journey into Academia, co-hosts Dr. Cat Burkat and Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant engage in a dynamic conversation with esteemed ophthalmologists Dr. Terri L. Young and Dr. Gloria Fleming. The episode provides a glimpse into their personal and professional journeys, highlighting key experiences and challenges that shaped their careers in academic medicine.  

Dr. Young and Dr. Fleming discuss pivotal moments and breakthroughs in their careers, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, resilience, and self-awareness in overcoming challenges and driving meaningful change to advocate for innovation in ophthalmology. The conversation also covers themes of inclusivity in academic settings, reflecting on lessons learned and offering actionable advice for creating equitable environments in medicine. The guests share insights into the academic promotion process and provide tips for successfully navigating career transitions, making this episode a valuable source of guidance and inspiration for current and aspiring women professors in ophthalmology.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Mentorship and Networking: Both guests emphasize the significant role of mentorship and networking in career development and success.

• Navigating Career Transitions: Dr. Young and Dr. Fleming provide strategies for making thoughtful career transitions and highlight the importance of understanding personal and professional needs.

• Inclusive Leadership: The episode covers the critical need for diversity and inclusion within academic medicine, showcasing how these principles contribute to improved healthcare and educational environments.

• Resilience in Career Challenges: The guests share personal stories of overcoming obstacles in their careers, demonstrating how resilience and self-advocacy can lead to positive outcomes.

• Lifelong Learning and Collaboration: Both ophthalmologists underscore the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in academia, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and growth.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think having that closer relationship with these teachers made me understand and realize how impactful that what they do is for someone else." - Dr. Terri L. Young

2. "There are so many resources there that I just didn't know about, and so much guidance that I didn't know about." - Dr. Gloria Fleming

3. "It's extremely important in our learning environment, in our trainees, in diversifying our workforce." - Dr. Gloria Fleming

4. "Sometimes you just don't realize what your worth is until you have to go somewhere else." - Dr. Terri L. Young

5. "What are we doing in our daily