Christina Y. Weng
The Power List 2021 – Power List
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Fellowship Program Director, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery, Director, Medical Student Clinical Elective-BTGH Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
What can be done to make the field more diverse?
If I had to answer this in one word, I’d pick the word “intention.” I find it empowering to know that we have the ability to drive change and shift culture through intentional actions, big or small. While large-scale and widely-visible efforts to promote diversity (like this special edition of the 2021 Power List) definitely bring attention to the accomplishments of a certain group, common everyday behaviors can also do the same. It can be something as simple as intentionally including underrepresented groups on a committee that you lead or speaking up against something that is inequitable or unjust. And just as crucial as being an active voice is being an engaged listener. There is so much we can learn from one another’s differences in perspectives and experiences – but you have to be willing to respectfully listen.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I just put the finishing touches on a book called Women in Ophthalmology: A Comprehensive Guide for Career and Life, which I co-edited with my friend and mentor, Nina Berrocal, and which will be published this spring by Springer. This has been a true labor of love for me; this book is a collection of personal narratives from some of the leading female figures in ophthalmology. The passion, authenticity, and vulnerability that my sister colleagues share in their contributions is absolutely astonishing, and I’m incredibly grateful to each of them for opening up about their triumphs, missteps, wisdom, and lessons learned. I hope that this publication will benefit future women – and men – in ophthalmology for generations to come.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
Running has always been a great way to decompress and clear my head. And especially during the past year with the pandemic, it was a treat to spend some extra time outdoors. I also love spending time with my family, and feel so grateful to have such an amazing support network.
