Audina M. Berrocal
The Power List 2021 – Power List
Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Medical Director of Pediatric Retina and Retinopathy of Prematurity, Vitreoretinal Fellowship Director, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Having developed a pediatric retina surgical practice and being able to mentor young surgeons in this field. There is nothing better than to see someone I trained want to do follow in my footsteps.
Outside of ophthalmology, what makes you happy?
I love to travel and spend time with my family, my kids and my friends. I have an amazing sister and a group of five friends. These five women have been in my life since elementary/middle school: the lawyer, the model, the professor, the businesswoman and the mom. Nothing compares to having these accomplished women in my life.
Why do you think it is important that we celebrate women in the field with this list?
We need to do things like this because the reality is that for us to be here, we have worked very, very hard. Each one of us has had to overcome many different obstacles. It is time to see us come together and be recognized for our hard work and brilliance.
What can be done to make the field more diverse?
It needs to start very early. We need to start mentoring at a young age. We need to bring kids to work and make them part of our working life, go into schools, talk to kids and show them the excitement and richness of our lives because of what we do. We need programs for undergraduate students that will allow them to spend time with us; we need to support them, motivate them, encourage them, help them with applications, CVs, letters of recommendation. Be that person who can change someone’s life!
