WIO 2024: A conversation with WIO President, Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA

Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA discussed what attendees, both virtually and in-person, can expect from this year's Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium meeting in Carlsbad, California. The meeting will take place August 22-25, 2024.

Video Transcript:

Editor's note: The below transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Sydney M. Crago: I'm Sydney Crago with Modern Retina, and I'm here today to talk to Dr. Weng about the upcoming Women in Ophthalmology meeting. Dr. Weng, as president of WIO, can you share a bit about this meeting and what sets it apart from others?

Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA: First, it's been a true privilege and honor serving as president this year of WIO, and Sydney, I appreciate the opportunity to highlight our meeting a bit. You're right, our crown jewel each year is the Summer Symposium, which is taking place August, 22 to 25th in Carlsbad, California. And once again, we're expecting to draw in well over 1000 attendees. I'm actually hoping that we're going to break the record that we set last year. And first, before I delve into the meeting itself, I have to give a shout out to Anna Momont and Janet Alexander, the co-chairs of this year's meeting. As well as the WIO program committee, who have done an outstanding job curating speakers and topics that I know will comprise our best program yet.

Now, to answer your question, there's several things that set the WIO symposium apart from other meetings, but I really want to highlight 2. And the first is that it has a special composition being, sort of equal part scientific and pragmatic. You certainly will leave more knowledgeable than you came, and this year there's going to be high yield talks on the latest clinical and surgical innovations, in addition to skills labs focused on everything from MiGs to Oculoplastics. But on the agenda, you're also going to find unique sessions discussing topics that you probably won't find on any other conference agenda. Sessions on financial wellness, upping your private practices performance, getting involved with clinical research trials, ergonomics and even email management skills. I'm definitely catching that one Sydney. And of course, interspersed between all of this are tons of super fun social and networking events, which everyone loves because it gives us a chance to catch up with old friends and also meet a lot of new ones as well.

And you know, the other thing I'll point out is that I think one of the misconceptions of WIO is that it's exclusive to women ophthalmologists and nothing could be further from the truth. I mean, we're so proud of the fact that this is an all inclusive event. Our Summer Symposium welcomes everyone who supports our mission of advancing women in our field, and that includes our men allies, our industry partners, our trainees and medical students, and our families. And these important members of our community are not only invited to attend our Summer Symposium, but they're integrated into the experience as speakers, as panelists, as presenters. We not only have childcare on site, but several activities for those with children, including a Mommy and Me Lab, which was a hit last year, where kids can try their hand working under the microscope. And all of this is happening against a backdrop that is just gorgeous. I mean, this year we're in Carlsbad, but we've been to Coeur d'Alene, Marco Island, and Monterey in recent years. So bottom line, we can promise you that you will leave the meeting more knowledgeable, more refreshed, and more inspired than you came.

Sydney M. Crago: That is such an incredible list of things to look forward to at this meeting. You have an incredible list of presenters and topics. Are there any in particular, other than emails, that you are looking forward to?

Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA: Definitely need the email one for myself. But you know, gosh, that's tough because there's just so many great sessions to choose from. But I'm definitely looking forward to one of the Friday panels entitled "Leaving Your Legacy." Which is going to talk about leaving your mark through either education, career contributions, and philanthropy, and it includes some heavy hitter speakers like Christy Nelson, Jane Edmond, Penny Asbell. It's going to be a great discussion moderated by Sophia Chung and Marie Di Nome, so be sure to catch that. And then there's another panel on Sunday that will be moderated by Laura Enyedi, focusing on personal and professional challenges. And Sydney, I really look forward to this one, because I think we're often quick to share our successes, but often face challenges and setbacks in isolation, and we need to change that. And so we're so fortunate to have several speakers, including Eileen Dolan, Alden Gregston, and Mimi Cabrera, who will be really willing to open up and briefly share some of their experiences when it comes to tough topics like patient complications, family health crises, and overcoming challenges with resilience. So it's definitely a can't miss session as well.

Sydney M. Crago: A really wonderful agenda and so many things to do live and in person. You also have a virtual track. Can you talk a little bit about how these 2 tracks differ.

Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA: Yeah, the virtual component of our meeting was actually born out of the COVID era, and it's sort of a silver lining from that period of time. We've continued to offer it because we recognize that there are people who are interested in attending who might not be able to due to other professional and personal obligations. And what's nice about the virtual track is that it's more than just a streaming output of the in person program. It's really been separately and intentionally crafted. While there is significant overlap, you're going to catch all the great parts of the main program as well. It also has its own virtual segments and set of speakers. Additionally, there's opportunity to interact with those at the in person meeting. So it's really sort of the next best thing to being in Carlsbad in person. And I'm so glad we could offer it again this year.

Sydney M. Crago: And then I see that you are giving the introduction during the WIO honorary lecture and award session. Can you tell me a little bit about this award and the person receiving it this year?

Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA: Yeah, happy to! So each year, the WIO president has the privilege of honoring an individual who's a leader in ophthalmology and has contributed to the profession, either as an educator, a researcher, or humanitarian. And this year's recipient is really all 3 of those things. And I couldn't be more honored to present the award this year to my colleague and longtime friend, Dr Fasika Woreta, who's currently the Eugene de juan, MD, Professor of Ophthalmic Education, Residency Program Director and the Director of the Eye Trauma Center at Wilmer. Dr Woreta also happened to be my Senior Resident when we were both training in residency at Hopkins, and she was a superstar even then. So it's really no surprise to see all the tremendous things that she's accomplished in her career so far. She's not only a humble and gracious person, but she is an incredible mentor to trainees. She's a fierce supporter of increasing diversity in our field, and I'm so looking forward to her Saturday lecture that puts all of that together, and it's entitled "Shattering Glass Ceilings in Ophthalmology: An Educators Perspective."

Sydney M. Crago: I'm sure it will be an incredible speech. I'm sure it will be a really wonderful moment. Is there anything else you'd like to share about this meeting?

Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA: Just something really quick. You know, I want to mention that while the Summer Symposium is really what the WIO is so well known for, we actually have an incredible offering of various initiatives and programs year round. So for example, educational webinars, the clinical trials training program, the WIO mentorship program, speakers bureau, and so much more. So I encourage everyone who's aligned with our mission to become a WIO member. And also please go ahead and save the date for next year's Summer Symposium, which is going to be August 7-10, 2025, in beautiful Marco Island. And for all of you coming to Carlsbad this summer, we can't wait to welcome you.