How do you find your niche in academic medicine? Does it happen through careful planning, mentorship, unexpected opportunities, or simply following your passion?

In this episode of the Women Professors of Ophthalmology (WPO) Podcast, hosts Dr. Cat Burkat and Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant sit down with two accomplished leaders in ophthalmology, Dr. Soledad Cortina and Dr. Sarah Nehls, to explore the journey of building a meaningful and fulfilling academic career. Together, they discuss how their professional paths evolved, how they developed expertise in highly specialized areas of cornea and ocular surface disease, and the importance of staying open to opportunities that may unexpectedly shape your career.

Dr. Cortina shares her experience building one of the nation's leading keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea) programs at the University of Illinois Chicago, while Dr. Nehls reflects on her transition from private practice to academic medicine and her role in advancing complex corneal care and education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The conversation highlights the rewards and challenges of developing a niche, collaborating across disciplines, mentoring future ophthalmologists, and finding confidence as a leader and expert in your field.

Whether you're a medical student, resident, fellow, junior faculty member, or an established academician considering your next chapter, this episode offers valuable insights on career development, mentorship, collaboration, and the power of pursuing work that truly inspires you.

• How Dr. Soledad Cortina and Dr. Sarah Nehls found their professional niches
• The role of mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity in career growth
• Building expertise in keratoprosthesis and complex corneal disease
• Transitioning from private practice to academic medicine
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your voice as a leader
• Why collaboration is essential for success in academic medicine
• Advice for trainees and junior faculty searching for their own niche
• The importance of following your interests and passions throughout your career