Anat Loewenstein

About Anat Loewenstein

Chair, Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center; Vice Dean, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Why is it important to celebrate women in the field?

Although we have seen significant progress in gender representation, women are still under-represented in senior leadership positions across the industry. Highlighting women and their achievements can help promote gender parity and it’s a step in the removal of some of the barriers that women face. This is especially important today, with the COVID-19 crisis that has negatively impacted women in the workplace.

What can be done to make the field more diverse?

The first step in making the field more diverse is raising awareness to the representation gap, including awareness of the unconscious biases that we all have. I believe that men and women in leadership positions should be especially attentive to ensuring women get an equal shot at access to different opportunities, such as seats on committees, chairs of committees, on editorial boards, and as chief editors. Additionally, research has shown that sponsorship and mentorship within an organization can be key in unleashing the full potential of women in their careers.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

It is hard to choose just one among my professional achievements. What still gets me excited is leading and developing the ophthalmology division in the Tel Aviv Medical Center, which is consistently recognized as a leading institution in all fields of ophthalmology in Israel and internationally, and where we focus on making an impact and bringing first-in-class treatment to patients every day. I am also passionate about people development, and among my proudest achievements is enabling other people’s success and pursuit of career goals: supporting 10 people on my team in becoming professors of ophthalmology to name just one example.

Outside of work, what makes you happy?

Outside of work my family is what makes me happy. Emma, Dylan, Mia, and Ben feel my heart with love and joy. I am happy when running, swimming, training or doing yoga or Pilates. I also enjoy reading very much.