The Power of Representation: Building a Diverse Ophthalmology Future

If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast About the Guests: Dr. Bradford Lee Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine and private practitioner in Honolulu. Chair of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee for ASOPRS. Dr. Andrea Kossler Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine Director of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery and Orbital Oncology at Stanford University. Board member of the Women in Ophthalmology and LATINOUS. Dr. Cesar A. Briceño Chief of Oculoplastics at Shea Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania. Assistant Dean for Diversity and Cultural Affairs at the Perelman School of Medicine, UPenn. Dr. Eydie G. Miller-Ellis Chief of the Glaucoma Service at the University of Pennsylvania. Co-director of the RAB Venable Excellence in Research Project for the NMA. Dr. John Ng Division Chief and Professor of Oculofacial Plastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery at Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University. Incoming Vice President of Aesoppers and future President. Episode Summary: Dive into an engaging panel discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the sphere of ophthalmology, specifically exploring its role in oculoplastic surgery. Hosted by Dr. Bradford Lee and Dr. Andrea Kossler, this episode of Top offers profound insights into the initiatives promoting more inclusive and equitable practices in ophthalmology associations and medical education institutions. With esteemed panelists like Dr. Cesar Briceño, Dr. Eydie G. Miller-Ellis, and Dr. John Ng, the conversation shifts focus on innovative programs like the DEI Committee for ASOPRS, which prioritizes inclusion, access, and diversity for both practitioners and patients. The episode explores the intersection of DEI and patient care, highlighting how diverse medical professionals contribute to an enriched healthcare delivery model, thereby mitigating disparities in vision health care. The insightful contributions also touch upon the importance of justice within DEI efforts, as well as the significance of recognizing intersectionality among trainees and patients, which brings emphasis to the unseen and complicated layers impacting healthcare accessibility and delivery. Key Takeaways: The DEI Committee for ASOPRS is actively fostering inclusion and access through travel and research grants, as well as mentorship programs to promote diverse career pathways in ophthalmology. Diversity improves patient care outcomes by fostering a workforce that understands and respects varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Institutions must strive to create equitable support systems for trainees from diverse backgrounds to ensure they can excel in specialized fields like oculoplastic surgery. Addressing intersectionality is crucial in understanding the multifaceted barriers faced by diverse groups, ensuring a more comprehensive approach in medical research and education. Programs like the RAB Venable Excellence in Research Project aim to increase genetic representation in clinical trials, crucial for advancing targeted treatments. Listeners are encouraged to delve deeper into this vital discussion on DEI within ophthalmology by tuning in to the full episode. Stay connected for more insightful and enlightening conversations from our series.