Young Member Mentor Program

The Young Member Program of the Macula Society serves not only to engage with the younger members of this esteemed organization but the membership as a whole. The key program is a lecture or symposium, organized by the Young Member Representative, given at the annual meeting.

This year’s symposium “The Changing World of Academic Ophthalmology: Perspectives from Three Chairs” featured prior presidents of the Macula Society—Dan Martin, Joan Miller, and Paul Sternberg. They discussed the changing landscape of academic ophthalmology, drawing on their own rich experiences as chairs, with an eye toward how younger retina specialists can succeed in this environment.

I am proud to be currently serving my two-year term as the Young Member Representative. I am a surgical retina specialist at Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, where I started in practice in 2018 after completing residency at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital/Mid Atlantic Retina. I have been fortunately to be a member of the Macula Society since 2023.

Katherine E. Talcott, MD
Macula Society Young Member Representative

Past Young Member Mentor Lectures

The 2025 Young Member Mentor Lecture topic was, “The Changing Landscape of Academic Ophthalmology: Perspectives from Three Chairs” with our esteemed panel of prior Presidents of the Macula Society: Daniel F. Martin, MD; Joan W. Miller, MD; and Paul Sternberg, Jr., MD.

The 2024 keynote speaker was Jennifer I. Lim, MD who presented on the topic of “To Lead is to Serve: The Importance of Servant Leadership”. Our moderator was Young Member Representative, Christina Weng, MD and panelists included: Lihteh Wu, MD; Adrienne Scott, MD; Daniel Martin, MD;  Barry Kupperman, MD; and Diana Do, MD.

The 2023 keynote speaker was Judy E. Kim, MD who presented on the topic of “When Going Gets Tough…Revitalizing Your Career”.  Our Moderator was Young Member Representative, Christina Y. Weng, MD and the panelists were: Mark Johnson, MD; Susan Bressler, MD: Tim Murray, MD; Peter Kaiser,MD:  Nina Berrocal, MD: and Adrienne Scott, MD.

The 2022 keynote speaker was William F. Mieler, MD, who presented on the topic of “Maintaining Work Life Balance While Maintaining Your Edge”.

The 2021 keynote speaker was Professor Robyn Guymer, AM MBBS, PhD, FRANZCO, FAHMS, who presented on the topic of “Finding your niche as a young academic”. Our panelists included: Alexander J. Brucker, MD; Pravin Dugel, MD; David Sarraf, MD; Carol L. Shields, MD; Demetrios G. Vavvas, MD, PhD; and Nadia Waheed, MD, MPH.

The 2020 keynote speaker was Edwin Stone, MD, who presented on the topic of “Dream No Small Dreams: The Amazing Power of The Big Idea.” The panelists consisted of Andrew Lotery MD; Judy Kim, MD; SriniVas Sadda, MD; and Carol Shields, MD who shared their experiences and unique perspectives in research.

The 2019 keynote speaker was Dr. Julia A. Haller.  The title of the lecture was “Flame On, Not Flame Out. Fighting Burnout and Passing the Torch!” Dr. Haller was then joined by Panelists: Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, MD, FACS, FARVO; Jennifer I. Lim, MD; David M. Brown, MD, FACS; H. Richard McDonald, MD; and Andreas K. Lauer, MD, who shared their experiences and unique perspectives in research.

Our 2018 keynote speak was Joan Miller, MD, who presented on the topic “Developing a therapy-from target to treatment” followed by a panel discussion from: SriniVas Sadda, MD; Emmett Cunningham, MD; Emily Chew, MD on the topic of “Research, Innovation, and Working with Industry.”

Our 2017 keynote speaker was Dr. Tien Yin Wong from Singapore National Eye Centre. Dr. Wong presented on the topic of,  “International Collaborations: Lessons learned from Leaders in Global Ophthalmology Research, Clinical Care, and Advocacy.”  Following Dr. Wong’s presentation, there was a panel discussion with Dr. Joan Miller, Dr. Lihteh Wu, and Dr. Emily Chew. These Macula Society members discussed different career paths towards a successful academic and research career.

Our 2016 keynote speaker was Lee M. Jampol, MD. Dr. Jampol presented on the topic of: “Guidelines for Success as a Successful Academician and Researcher.”  Following Dr. Jampol’s presentation, there was a panel discussion with Dr. Carol Shields and Dr. Lawrence Singerman to discuss different career paths towards a successful academic and research career.

Our 2015 keynote speaker was Carol Shields, MD with panelists Paul Sternberg Jr., MD and Carmen Puliafito. MD. Dr. Carol Shields presented on the topic “Happiness as Doctor, Researcher, and Mom”.

Our 2014 keynote speaker was Daniel F. Martin, MD. Dr. Martin presented on the topic of “Academics for Dummies“.

Our 2013 keynote speakers were Paul Sternberg Jr., MD and J. William Harbour, MD. Dr. Harbour presented on the topic of “How to become a physician scientist” and Dr. Sternberg presented on the topic of “How to become a physician leader”.

Our 2012 keynote speaker was Alexander J. Brucker, MD. Dr. Brucker presented on the topic of “getting your papers published in peer-reviewed journals”.

Our 2011 keynote speaker was William Mieler, MD. Dr. Mieler presented on “Balancing professional and personal life as a vitreo-retinal specialist”.