Presentation by internationally recognised Ophthalmologist, Professor Eve Higginbotham
January 22, 2023
Vision Research Foundation had the pleasure of hosting an evening with Professor Eve Higginbotham, a prominent physician and leader in the field of ophthalmology who spoke extensively on the topic of diversity and gender equality in medicine and why it matters. She is a practising glaucoma specialist and is currently active in scholarship related to glaucoma, ocular pharmacology, health policy, health equity, STEM, patient care delivery and organisational culture.
Emphasising the importance of creating a culture of inclusivity in the field of medicine she said that a diverse workforce is not only more representative of the communities that it serves, but it also brings a wider range of perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to better outcomes for patients.
Prof Higginbotham also highlights the disparities that exist in healthcare for marginalised communities, including people of colour, LGBTQA+ individuals, and those with disabilities. These disparities are often rooted in systemic issues such as racism, sexism and ableism, and that addressing them requires a concerted effort from all members of the medical community.
The evening as we opened with pōwhiri and a welcome from Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer and Ella Ewens, who shared more about the mission and endeavours of Vision Research Foundation.
The inaugural Vision Research Foundation Summer Studentship recipient, Makayla Kahi (Ngāti Kauwhata), gave a powerful address demonstrating some disturbing statics and the impact of a lack of diverse representation in health care.
In New Zealand there are 673 (4.3%) doctors and 14 surgeons who identify as Māori. With only about 18% of New Zealand surgeons being women, Makayla said wāhine Māori in surgery are almost non-existent.
Makayla’s hope is “that the research she is undertaking will make a real difference in understanding the barriers for wāhine Māori in medicine, navigating their way into surgery”. Makayla is mentored by Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer.
Prof Higginbotham said that creating a more inclusive culture in medicine is not only the right thing to do, but it is also essential for the future of the profession. By embracing diversity and gender equality, we can build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system that better serves all patients.
Isaac Samuels and Makayla Kahi
Verona Botha, Sophie Hill and Ruhella Hossain
Anh Dao Le, Rhiannon Dresden, Megan Black and Louise de Candole
Rachel Barnes, Daime Dreaver and Kylie Dreaver
Susanne Bradley, Ella Ewens and Sarah Brown
Stacy Valentine, Kyla Kubba, Hohepa Edmonds and Roz Muirhead
Tania Te Whenua, Kelin Te Whenua, Isaac Samuels and students
Prof. Helen Danesh-Meyer with Prof. Eve Higginbotham
Professor Eve Higginbotham is Dean for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Eve is a graduate of MIT (chemical engineering) and Harvard (medicine) where she undertook her Glaucoma Fellowship training and serves on the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Advisory Board. Professor Higginbotham has also completed a Master of Law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.