Eye Spy OWLs

“Hoo Hoo”

Local Eye Site’s Camilla Travels to Pinehurst

Did you know owl’s ears are offset to achieve optimal hearing? They also have a reputation for phenomenal sight, both during the day and even better at night. These creatures rarely skip a beat… and neither do another group of OWLs!

Earlier this month, I caught wind of an organization called OWL- Ophthalmic Women Leaders. A group of women dedicated not only to our industry, but to growing, networking and supporting each other from a personal and professional perspective. My timing was on point, considering OWL partnered with Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) for this year’s WIO Summer Symposium. The symposium was two weeks away and conveniently in my home state-North Carolina. Sign me up!

I spent three days truly immersed in the world of ophthalmology.The meeting provided a strong balance between various clinical material and professional development activities.

Friday morning was kicked off with an interesting presentation by Dr. Erin Shriver from Bascom Palmer. She shared different case studies of patients with lateral canthal tendon disinsertion and her surgical techniques to correct tendon laxity. Fast forward to one of Saturday morning’s sessions, by Dr. Julie Woodward of Duke University, on treating complications from oculofacial cosmetic procedures. Wow! The weekend’s presentations certainly grabbed my attention. It was fascinating to hear each case presented and then watch as this room full of accomplished women turned their wheels to figure out the best plan moving forward. The interaction between the audience and presenter had me completely engaged. The cases sparked discussions and uncovered new questions. Summer Symposium Chair, Eydie Miller-Ellis, and Membership Chair, Mildred Oliver, certainly got their exercise running the microphone to each new voice wanting to be heard.

On Sunday afternoon, pulling away from Carolina Vista Dr. with Pinehurst Resort and Spa in my rearview mirror, I reflected on some general takeaways from this meeting:

- These women are rockstars: All of them have a M.D., MBA, PhD, Mom, and/or Wife (to name a few), title after their name. I remember WIO President Dr. Jennifer Lim posed the question to the group, “How many of you have had to be in surgery first thing in the morning, after being up multiple times during the night caring for a little one with the stomach bug?” I stopped counting hands at 22.

- This special weekend is not another “Conference in August” work meeting. This is an energetic and unique event that is looked forward to all year. Women come together and bond over industry and life experiences. The intimate setting breeds great camaraderie. “Business” is taken care of in the morning, and by mid afternoon its time for a bike ride, spa trip, wine tasting or some poolside reading.

- I was surprised by the number of residents who attended the weekend. What a grand opportunity for these young ophthalmologists to learn from their peers and network with their superiors in a setting far different than their day-to-day academic world.

Thank you WIO and OWL for putting on such a great event; I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In closing I want to share an entertaining and humorous piece from Career and Leadership Development Coach, Janet Bickel. It is a chart that translates how men and women are perceived based on their actions in the workplace. Enjoy!