Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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In today’s Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology Podcast, Dr. Sophie Bakri and I visit with retina specialist Dr. Joan Miller of Harvard Medical School. Her pioneering work helped establish photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration and contributed to the development of anti-VEGF therapies that have transformed the lives of millions of patients worldwide. Tune in to hear about her leadership journey and remarkable career advancing treatments for AMD.

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00:00 Introduction to Guest Dr. Joan Miller
01:24 Career Beginnings and Early Interest in Retina
02:51 Developing Photodynamic Therapy for Macular Degeneration
04:15 Current Clinical Uses for Photodynamic Therapy
05:01 Pivotal Mentors and Collaborators in Leadership
07:12 Embracing Risks and Stepping into Leadership
09:08 Career Advice for Aspiring Clinician Scientists
12:22 Problem Solving and Adjusting Treatment Parameters
15:36 Evolution of Anti-VEGF Research and Therapies
17:38 Identifying and Cultivating Future Field Leaders
19:17 Managing Underperformance and Fit Within Teams
20:21 Future Frontiers in Macular Degeneration Research
22:57 Academic and Industry Collaboration in Innovation
24:16 Navigating Prominent Leadership Role Transitions