Eyeworld Daily News

4 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | APRIL 7, 2024 ASCRS ANNUAL MEETING DAILY NEWS PUBLISHER Abigail Markward MANAGING DIRECTOR Stacy Jablonski EDITORIAL CO-DIRECTORS Ellen Stodola Liz Hillman GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Susan Steury Katherine Beutner PRODUCTION MANAGER Cathy Stern SALES, SPONSORSHIPS, AND CORPORATE PROGRAMS Jessica Donohoe Joe Dooley Cathy Stern featured Malvina Eydelman, MD, of the FDA, leading a discussion with past female presidents of ASCRS, Elizabeth Yeu, MD, Bonnie Hender- son, MD, Priscilla Arnold, MD, and Marguerite McDonald, MD. Dr. Eydelman first asked Dr. McDonald about what motivated her, noting that she was the first woman to become ASCRS president and led many new developments in refrac- tive surgery, including being the first ophthalmologist to perform excimer laser treatment. Dr. McDonald said it was really about the patient and unmet need. "I was always interested in refrac- tive error," she said, adding that she knew there were suboptimal surgical procedures to address this. As you start aiming, Dr. McDonald said, better procedures for patients is the North Star. "Everything else sort of falls into place if you keep that as your North Star," she said. If you start to do the work and it's good work, it starts to generate its own pathway for you, she said. Dr. Arnold discussed how she and several other female oph- thalmologists were in positions of leadership around the same time. She said this was likely related to a demographic change of more women graduating from medical schools and entering practice life around the 1970s–1980s. It takes a lot of time to build the practice experience, the professional relationship, many years of commitment to professional organization, and trust and confi- dence of colleagues, and none of us who have had leaderships roles come without standing on the shoulders of others, Dr. Arnold said. "I think that it's critical that we involve women in leadership because as of 2022, the latest statistic I could find, medical school enrollment was at 56% of women, and if we don't pay attention to that part of our future leadership, we will lose it." Dr. Henderson started by saying that she hopes the next similar panel will see a stage full of female pres- idents. Leadership is not just about what you're doing now, but it's about looking at innovation and trying to improve everything you do, she said. "I want to say that what's really im- portant in empowerment of women are the men. You can't make change for the minority if the majority is not supportive," Dr. Henderson said. Dr. Yeu said that she is proud of the diversity within ASCRS. It's about not only men, women, young lead- ership, older leadership, but it's that whole diversity and thinking about that forward movement and what it takes to have a complete society that's representative of its member- ship, she said. She showed photos of leadership on the ASCRS Executive Committee and Clinical Committees in 2014 and 2024. In 2014, there were 17 men and 3 women, but to- day, there are 12 men and 6 women. The panelists ended by offering advice to women in the ophthalmic field. Dr. Eydelman said she encour- ages women entering ophthalmology to believe in themselves. "When you make a decision, make it clearly and confidently," she said. "Don't under- estimate the power you have." Dr. McDonald said that women should be sure to "speak up." People aren't mind readers, she said. "If you want something, you have to speak up and tell people." Dr. Arnold's advice was gender neutral, but she said to seek respon- sibility and commitment. When offered a position of responsibility, do the work, she said. Dr. Henderson let attendees know that you're not supposed to feel great all the time, and it's OK to feel like it's hard. In the world right now, every- thing is so instantaneous, Dr. Yeu said. "It's important we all set 1-year, 5-year, 10-year goals, and the goals should be focused and intentional," she said. "We have to be layered and substantive in what we do and be intentional." Editors' note: The speakers have no relevant financial interests. continued from page 3

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