LUMINARIES…profiles of Women in Academic Medicine

by Jaclyn L. Kovach, MD

In April 2020, Dr. Jaclyn Kovach a retina specialist and Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Naples will release her very first book. Luminaries: Profiles of Women in Academic Medicine is a compilation of twenty-four
mini-autobiographies written by female academic physicians, researchers, and educators  at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSM).

Congresswoman Donna E. Shalala, past President of UM, has written the epilogue. The impetus for creating this book, or “virtual mentor,” was a desire to inspire, guide, and empower those early in their medical training. Finding a mentor – someone who will selflessly facilitate one’s career – can be elusive, as can acquiring exposure to the many unique career niches that exist in medicine.

The road to becoming a leader in academic medicine is challenging, especially for women, and mentors can encourage students and help them navigate this daunting landscape.
Luminaries: Profiles of Women in Academic Medicine, was funded by one of Dr. Kovach’s generous and grateful  patients,  James Blinder. The book recognizes and showcases the talented and diverse female faculty at UMMSM, including Dr. Janet Davis and Dr. Audina Berrocal, ophthalmologists at BPEI. These accomplished women are from a variety of backgrounds, academic disciplines, and career stages, but their commonality is their ability to pursue their dreams despite adversity. Some have fled unstable countries, challenged daily discrimination, and others have battled their own self-doubt.

These champions have selflessly chosen to give back to their students and communities in a life of service and leadership at the University of Miami.