In an article featured in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's September edition of EyeNet magazine, American Board of Ophthalmology Director Chris Albanis, MD, advised fellow ophthalmologists on strategies to move from intention to action on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Her #1 recommendation for building an inclusive, supportive workplace? "Have a plan," Dr. Albanis said. That plan should begin with listening to the experiences of colleagues who have experienced discrimination, she said.
Once a level of trust has been established, ophthalmologists can proceed to making meaningful connections across cultures, Dr. Albanis explained. For example, last year, at the request of her team, she and her staff celebrated a variety of cultures and traditions during a holiday party.
Dr. Albanis also encouraged ophthalmologists to remember to look beyond the data when it comes to measuring progress. "...[M]uch of this is a cultural shift that can't be easily measured in numbers," she said. "We need to stop and listen to ourselves and each other and ask, 'Are we actually getting where we need to go?'"
Click here to read the rest of the article in EyeNet (AAO membership required for access).
Based in Chicago, Dr. Albanis is the chief medical officer of Ocular Partners, president of Arbor Centers for EyeCare, and chair of ophthalmology at Advocate Christ Eye Medical Center. She is also clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Chicago and serves as the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Leadership Development Program Director. Dr. Albanis was recently honored as the outgoing president of the University of Chicago's Medical & Biological Sciences Alumni Association, which she led from 2019 to 2021.