Laura M. Periman, MD, talks with Vandana C. Reddy, MD, and Rupa K. Wong, MD, about the challenges female surgeons face, how to navigate some of the societal dualities of being a woman leader and more.

• Welcome to another episode of Mend the Gap :41
• The topic :55
• Guest introductions 1:07
• Welcome Dr. Reddy 1:57
• Welcome Dr. Wong 3:58
• Have you encountered any of the challenges of being a leader in the operating room as a female? How have you dealt with it and how have you learned to identify it? 4:47
• Thoughts on how the ACGME guidelines for creating a non-intimidating, equitable, non-harassing work environment can be beneficial for the younger generation of clinicians and private practices in the future 12:12
• Navigating some of the societal dualities in becoming a woman leader 13:26
• How do you balance that fine line of being stern but being fair and flexible? 19:12
• Dealing with biases and double standards as female surgeons 22:53
• Addressing the inequities of how male and female surgeons are treated when surgical complications occur 26:08
• Does creating an atmosphere of curiosity work to address the issue of defensiveness? 30:53
• The importance of allyship and establishing trust 33:25
• Can you think of any other pearls in order support and advocate for other female surgeons? 37:14
• Anything we’ve left out? 41:08
• Thank you for listening 42:01

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Laura M. Periman, MD, is founder and director of DryEye Services and Clinical Research at Periman Eye Institute in Seattle, WA.

Vandana C. Reddy, MD, is the founder and CEO of Northeast Georgia Ophthalmology.

Rupa K. Wong, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist, with a specialty in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus and is the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Disclosures: Periman reports consulting for Allergan, Novartis and Sun Ophthalmics. Reddy is the CEO of Northeast Georgia Ophthalmology. Wong is the co-owner and managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic.