There are nearly 24,000 ophthalmologists in the United States, with 500 physicians newly entering the ophthalmology field each year and approximately half of those being women. Although women now represent approximately half of all ophthalmologists, gender disparities remain when it comes to certain subspecialties (e.g., surgical retina), leadership roles (e.g., department chairs), industry involvement (e.g., consultancy and advisory board positions), and even academic publications. There has been a recently heightened interest in female representation in this field which has manifested in several ways (e.g., conferences geared towards women in ophthalmology, non-peer-reviewed publications about women in ophthalmology, and mentorship programs specifically for women). This book is the first of its kind in procuring and disseminating information-pertaining to both career and life-in an organized, concrete, and enduring way. 

Women in Ophthalmology is a comprehensive collection of chapters primarily written by women in the field of ophthalmology. The book aims to guide others through milestones and challenges women may face during their careers, and shares sound insights into how to deal with unique issues both inside and outside the workplace. Topics that are widely applicable to all who work in ophthalmology are included, such as finding mentors, collaborating within industry, handling work-life balance, and seeking out leadership opportunities. Each chapter combines personal anecdotes with knowledge from leaders in the field which both men and women will find highly valuable.

 

Part I. Education and Training.- The Beginning: Match and Residency

Choosing a Fellowship and How to Stand Out
Part II. Starting Your Career.- How to Get a Great Position in Private Practice
Finding a Great Job in Academics
As You Start a Career in Academic Medicine: Priming for Success
Starting Your Own Practice
Building Your Clinical Practice and Reputation
Part III. Patient Care.- Staying at the Forefront of Your Field: Embracing the New
Improving Efficiency with EMR in Your Clinic and OR
Dealing with Complications and Avoiding Medicolegal Issues
Handling the Unexpected In Ocular Surgery
Part IV. Research.- The Ins and Outs of Clinical Trials
Becoming a Successful Clinical Trialist
How to Successfully Publish and Present Your Research
Publishing and Presenting Clinical Research
Part V. Teaching.- Delivering an Engaging Lecture
Teaching in a Busy Clinical Setting
Teaching Surgery
Part VI. Dealing WithConflict.- Sexual Harassment in Ophthalmology
Managing Conflict in the Workplace
Experiencing Health Issues as a Physician
Part VII. Family Matters
Romantic Relationships
Parenting During Training
Motherhood and Medicine
Professorship and Parenthood
Balancing Academic Career and Parenthood: Ten Thoughts and One Bonus on Success
Dual Professional Career Relationships
Part VIII. Leadership.- Leadership for YOs (Young Ophthalmologists)
Preparing for Service in Whatever Comes Your Way
How to Be an Effective Fellowship Program Director
Keys to Public Speaking
Part IX. Career Advancement
Getting Promoted to Associate Professor
A Less Paved Road: Switching Careers and Taking an Unorthodox Path
Setbacks & Second Chances
Part X. Working with Industry
Collaborating with Industry.- Why Industry Values the Female Perspective
Demystifying Pharma and BioTech - Applying Ophthalmology to Make New Tools
Part XI. Work Life Balance.- Work-Life Balance and Avoiding Burnout
Making the Most Out of Academic Meetings
Social Media and Privacy Issues
Part XII. Personal Finances.- Setting the Course for a Successful Future With Better Financial Planning
Personal Finances and Career Decisions
Part XIII. Mentorship and Networking.- Effective Mentoring: A Guide for Mentors and Mentees
Mentorship
To Brand or Be Branded
Promoting Yourself and Your Brand